Micah 7:14

ยถ Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily [in] the wood, in the midst of Carmel: let them feed [in] Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.

Feed {H7462} thy people {H5971} with thy rod {H7626}, the flock {H6629} of thine heritage {H5159}, which dwell {H7931} solitarily {H910} in the wood {H3293}, in the midst {H8432} of Carmel {H3760}: let them feed {H7462} in Bashan {H1316} and Gilead {H1568}, as in the days {H3117} of old {H5769}.

Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock that belongs to you, who live alone, like a forest in the middle of a fertile pasture. Let them feed in Bashan and Gil'ad, as they did in days of old.

Shepherd with Your staff Your people, the flock of Your inheritance. They live alone in a woodland, surrounded by pastures. Let them graze in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.

Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thy heritage, which dwell solitarily, in the forest in the midst of Carmel: let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.

Commentary

Micah 7:14 presents a fervent prayer from the prophet Micah, appealing to God to shepherd His people, Israel, through a period of desolation and into a future of restoration and prosperity. This verse comes at a pivotal point in Micah's prophecy, shifting from lament and judgment to a plea for divine intervention and hope.

Context

This verse is found within the concluding chapter of the Book of Micah, which oscillates between pronouncements of judgment against Judah and Jerusalem for their sins, and promises of future deliverance and restoration. Chapter 7, in particular, begins with a lament over the moral decay of the nation (Micah 7:1-6), followed by Micah's personal declaration of hope in God (Micah 7:7). Verse 14 then transitions into a communal prayer, echoing the nation's longing for God's merciful leadership and a return to former glory. It anticipates a time when God's "flock" will be gathered and nourished once more, a stark contrast to the scattered and vulnerable state described earlier in the chapter and throughout the book.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Shepherding: The central image is that of God as the ultimate Shepherd. The plea "Feed thy people with thy rod" highlights God's role in guiding, protecting, and providing for His flock. The "rod" (Hebrew: matteh) here signifies a shepherd's staff, used for guidance and counting, not merely for punishment, emphasizing care and authority. This concept of God as Shepherd is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, signifying His intimate care for His people. See Psalm 23:1.
  • God's Heritage: Israel is referred to as "the flock of thine heritage," underscoring their unique covenant relationship with God. They are His chosen possession, a people He has set apart for Himself. This reminds both the people and the reader of God's enduring commitment despite their unfaithfulness.
  • Desolation and Dispersion: The phrase "which dwell solitarily [in] the wood, in the midst of Carmel" paints a picture of isolation and vulnerability, possibly reflecting the condition of the Israelites during times of exile or oppression. While Carmel was known for its fertility, dwelling "solitarily in the wood" suggests a scattered, wilderness-like existence, far from the security of a flourishing nation.
  • Restoration and Abundance: The prayer "let them feed [in] Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old" expresses a longing for a return to a golden age of prosperity and peace. Bashan and Gilead were renowned for their rich pastures and fertile lands east of the Jordan River, symbolizing agricultural abundance and security. This plea looks forward to a future where God's people are not only gathered but also thrive under His benevolent rule, reminiscent of the blessings experienced during the early days of the nation or under righteous kings. This echoes prophecies of future restoration found elsewhere. Amos 9:14 also speaks of restoration.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "rod," matteh (ืžึทื˜ึผึถื”), can refer to a staff, tribe, or branch. In the context of a shepherd, it is the staff used for guiding, supporting, and counting the sheep, signifying leadership and care rather than solely discipline. The phrase "feed thy people" uses the verb ra'ah (ืจึธืขึธื”), which means "to pasture" or "to shepherd," encompassing the full range of a shepherd's duties: leading, feeding, protecting, and caring for the flock.

Practical Application

Micah 7:14 offers timeless encouragement and insight for believers today. It reminds us that even in times of spiritual or physical desolation, we can appeal to God, our faithful Shepherd, for guidance and provision. It reinforces the truth that we are God's "heritage," dearly loved and cared for. When we feel scattered, isolated, or longing for better days, this verse points us to the hope of God's restorative power. It encourages us to trust that God desires to lead us into places of spiritual abundance and peace, just "as in the days of old," or even greater, through the ultimate Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. John 10:11 portrays Jesus as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 23:1

    ยถ A Psalm of David. The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.

  • Psalms 23:4

    Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

  • Isaiah 49:10

    They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.

  • Micah 5:4

    And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.

  • Isaiah 40:11

    He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.

  • Psalms 95:7

    ยถ For he [is] our God; and we [are] the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,

  • Psalms 100:3

    Know ye that the LORD he [is] God: [it is] he [that] hath made us, and not we ourselves; [we are] his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
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