Keraia
Micah 7

Micah 7:14

God’s Compassion on Israel · Micah 7:14–20
Read Micah 7

Translations

Modern
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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock of your heritage dwelling alone in a woodland in the midst of Carmel; let them find pasture in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.
Latin
Pasce populum tuum in virga tua, gregem hæreditatis tuæ, habitantes solos, in saltu, in medio Carmeli. Pascentur Basan et Galaad juxta dies antiquos.

Original

Hebrew
English
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.

Notes

Micah 7:14

  • A shepherd in the ancient Near East used a staff to protect sheep from wild animals. Similarly, the prophet prayed for God to protect his people from hostile non-Jewish nations (compare Exodus 4:1–5).

  • Your inheritance: compare Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 7:6; 14:2; 26:18; Malachi 3:17; 1 Peter 2:9.

  • Bashan and Gilead, located east of the Jordan River, were among the Lord’s earliest gifts to the Israelite tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh (Joshua 13:15–31). Assyria took over these areas and exiled these tribes in the 700s BC. Israel would regain and expand its ownership.

Micah 7:14–20

The Lord promised to fully renew Israel, his special possession (see Exodus 19:5; Malachi 3:17). Judgment would not destroy hope but cleanse it so true hope could thrive. God alone would restore the remnant of his special people and remove their guilt through his love, compassion, and faithfulness (see Exodus 32:12–14).

Micah 7:1–20

Hopeless deception and corruption filled God’s people (Micah 7:1–6). Because of this, Micah mourned their condition and turned to the Lord for help (Micah 7:7–10).

Even so, God’s mercy would triumph. Israel would be restored by the Lord (Micah 7:11–13). God’s mercy, compassion, and unfailing love would prevail in the end (Micah 7:14–20).

Theme notes and profiles

The Shepherd

Events

Places

Bashan: Region east of the Jordan, known for its fertility Gilead: Mountainous region east of Jordan; tribal territory and personal name

Glossary

Book of Micah

Topics

Bashan: Distinguished for Its Fine Cattle Carmel: A Fertile and Picturesque Mountain in Palestine: Caves of Forests: Often Afforded Pasture Intercession: Exemplified