But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.
Read it in contextThe Restoration of Zion
Start reading at Micah 4:6 (Micah 4:6 to Micah 4:13).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Promises concerning Zion and the ruler from Bethlehem appear alongside conflict and purification, carrying hope beyond the announced judgment.
4:6In that day, saith the LORD, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted;
4:7And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever.
4:8And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.
4:9Now why dost thou cry out aloud? is there no king in thee? is thy counsellor perished? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail.
4:10Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.
4:11Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion.
4:12But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.
4:13Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Micah of Moresheth is the named prophet and traditional author. Biblical references: Micah 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Micah 4:1–5:15): Zion and the people of Israel are addressed through promises and warnings involving the nations and Israel's coming ruler. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Samaria and Jerusalem, including their rulers, prophets, and people, with an appeal heard by the wider nations. Biblical references: Micah 1:1; Micah 1:2; Micah 3:1. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The Restoration of Zion. Read Micah 4:6 through Micah 4:13 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Promises concerning Zion and the ruler from Bethlehem appear alongside conflict and purification, carrying hope beyond the announced judgment. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Micah's opening names the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. The book announces both judgment and later hope. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The vision concerns Samaria and Jerusalem and includes references to towns of Judah, Zion, and Bethlehem. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Restoration of Zion (Micah 4:6 to Micah 4:13).
Start reading at Micah 4:6. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Matthew cites the Bethlehem ruler passage in the account of Jesus' birth. Keep the surrounding themes of judgment, shepherding, and peace in view when making that connection. See Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:5, Matthew 2:6. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Practice justice, mercy, and humble walking with God. Read that appeal within the covenant case rather than reducing it to a slogan detached from the book's accusations. interpretation
Cited: Micah 4:6, Micah 4:13, Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:5, Matthew 2:6
Who wrote it, and how we know
MicahNamed in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens with the word of the LORD that came to Micah. Micah 1:1
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Micah 4
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Micah's opening locates his vision concerning Samaria and Jerusalem in the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. The book alternates indictment and hope rather than presenting one undifferentiated promise. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Promises concerning Zion and the ruler from Bethlehem appear alongside conflict and purification, carrying hope beyond the announced judgment.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Promises concerning Zion and the ruler from Bethlehem appear alongside conflict and purification, carrying hope beyond the announced judgment.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Micah
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Micah's opening locates his vision concerning Samaria and Jerusalem in the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. The book alternates indictment and hope rather than presenting one undifferentiated promise.
Connection to the wholeThe opening messages expose the conduct bringing judgment on Samaria and Jerusalem, including the failures of rulers and prophets.
Connection to the wholePromises concerning Zion and the ruler from Bethlehem appear alongside conflict and purification, carrying hope beyond the announced judgment.