Rise and thresh, O Daughter of Zion, for I will give you horns of iron and hooves of bronze to break to pieces many peoples. Then you will devote their gain to the LORD, their wealth to the Lord of all the earth. Rise and threshThe phrase "Rise and thresh" is a call to action for the "Daughter of Zion," symbolizing the people of Israel. The Hebrew word for "thresh" (דּוּשׁ, dush) refers to the agricultural process of separating grain from chaff, a metaphor for judgment and purification. Historically, threshing was a vigorous activity, requiring strength and determination, symbolizing the divine empowerment of God's people to overcome their adversaries. This call to "rise" signifies awakening and readiness, urging the faithful to prepare for God's deliverance and justice. O Daughter of Zion
"Daughter of Zion" is a poetic term for Jerusalem and its inhabitants, representing the covenant community of Israel. In the Hebrew Bible, "Zion" often refers to the city of David, the spiritual and political center of the Jewish people. This phrase emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and His chosen people, portraying them as a cherished daughter under His protection and guidance. It reflects God's promise to restore and elevate His people despite their current struggles. for I will give you horns of iron
The "horns of iron" symbolize strength and invincibility. In ancient Near Eastern culture, horns were often associated with power and dominance, as seen in the imagery of strong animals like bulls. The use of "iron" further emphasizes unbreakable strength and divine empowerment. This metaphor indicates that God will equip His people with the necessary might to overcome their enemies, ensuring victory through His provision. and hooves of bronze
"Hooves of bronze" continue the imagery of strength and durability. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, was known for its resilience and was used in ancient weaponry and armor. The mention of "hooves" suggests a readiness to trample and conquer, reinforcing the idea of divine empowerment for victory. This imagery assures the people of Zion that they will be equipped to carry out God's judgment and fulfill His purposes. so you may crush many peoples
The phrase "so you may crush many peoples" indicates the extent of the victory that God promises to His people. The Hebrew verb for "crush" (רָצַץ, ratsats) conveys the idea of breaking or shattering, signifying total defeat of the adversaries. This prophetic assurance highlights God's sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of His justice over the nations that oppose His will. Then you will devote their gain to the LORD
The act of devoting "their gain to the LORD" reflects the principle of dedicating the spoils of victory to God as an act of worship and acknowledgment of His provision. In the Hebrew context, this devotion (חֵרֶם, cherem) often involved setting apart something as holy to the Lord. This phrase underscores the idea that all victories and blessings are ultimately for God's glory and should be consecrated to Him. their wealth to the Lord of all the earth
The phrase "the Lord of all the earth" emphasizes God's universal sovereignty and authority over all creation. By dedicating "their wealth" to God, the people of Zion recognize His dominion and the rightful ownership of all things. This acknowledgment serves as a reminder of God's ultimate control and the fulfillment of His promises, encouraging believers to trust in His plan and purpose for their lives. Persons / Places / Events 1. Daughter of ZionThis term refers to the people of Jerusalem or the inhabitants of Judah. It is often used to personify the city and its people, highlighting their special relationship with God. 2. ZionA hill in Jerusalem, often used to symbolize the city itself or the entire nation of Israel. It holds significant spiritual and historical importance as the site of the Temple. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. In this context, He is the one empowering and directing the actions of His people. 4. Many PeoplesThis phrase refers to the nations or groups that oppose Israel. It signifies the broader world that stands against God's chosen people. 5. The Lord of all the earthThis title for God emphasizes His sovereignty over all creation, not just Israel, underscoring His ultimate authority and power. Teaching Points Divine EmpowermentGod equips His people with strength and resilience, symbolized by "horns of iron" and "hooves of bronze." Believers can trust in God's provision and empowerment in their spiritual battles. Judgment and JusticeThe imagery of threshing represents God's judgment on the nations. It serves as a reminder of His justice and the ultimate accountability of all peoples before Him. Devotion of Gain to GodThe wealth and gain from victory are devoted to the LORD, emphasizing the principle of dedicating our successes and resources to God's glory and purposes. Sovereignty of GodThe title "Lord of all the earth" reassures believers of God's control over all circumstances, encouraging trust in His plans and purposes. Role of God's PeopleThe call to "rise and thresh" signifies active participation in God's work. Believers are invited to engage in His mission with confidence in His support. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of "horns of iron" and "hooves of bronze" in Micah 4:13 inspire confidence in God's empowerment for your personal challenges? 2. In what ways can you devote your "gain" or successes to the LORD in your daily life, as illustrated in this passage? 3. How does understanding God's sovereignty as "the Lord of all the earth" influence your perspective on current global events? 4. Reflect on a time when you felt God empowered you to overcome a difficult situation. How does this passage affirm that experience? 5. How can the call to "rise and thresh" motivate you to actively participate in God's mission in your community or church? What practical steps can you take? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 41:15This verse also speaks of God empowering His people to thresh the nations, using similar imagery of a threshing instrument. It highlights God's role in enabling His people to overcome their enemies. Zechariah 12:3This passage describes Jerusalem as an immovable rock for all nations, indicating that those who oppose it will be injured. It connects to the idea of God's protection and empowerment of His people. Revelation 19:15This verse describes Christ's return and His role in executing judgment on the nations, paralleling the imagery of divine empowerment and judgment found in Micah 4:13. People Eder, Jacob, MicahPlaces Babylon, Jerusalem, Mount Zion, ZionTopics Arise, Beat, Beaten, Brass, Break, Broken, Bronze, Consecrate, Crushed, Daughter, Devote, Devoted, Gain, Gains, Grain, Hast, Hoofs, Horn, Horns, Ill-gotten, Increase, Iron, Nations, O, Peoples, Pieces, Pulverize, Substance, Thresh, Unjust, Wealth, ZionDictionary of Bible Themes Micah 4:13 1230 God, the Lord
4312 bronze
4336 iron
4522 threshing
4654 horn
5465 profit
5483 punishment Micah 4:11-13 5917 plans Library As God, So Worshipper
'... All the peoples will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever.'--MICAH iv. 5 (R.V.). This is a statement of a general truth which holds good of all sorts of religion. 'To walk' is equivalent to carrying on a course of practical activity. 'The name' of a god is his manifested character. So the expression 'Walk in the name' means, to live and act according to, and with reference to, and in reliance on, the character of the worshipper's …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture"And we Will --"
The prophet Micah was struck with the energy and devotion of the heathen to their gods. He saw the grip these idols had of their votaries, how no expense was spared, no sacrifice withheld, for the sake of a filthy lie embodied in a stone or golden image. While he listened to the songs of the heathen, his heart warmed as he thought of the greatness of Jehovah, and so he cried out--"All people will walk every one in the name of his God, and we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread The Battle of Armageddon.
The Battle of Armageddon! What extravagant speculations have been indulged concerning it! What unscriptural theories have been entertained respecting it! To begin with; this appears from the term employed. Nowhere in the Bible do we read of "The Battle of Armageddon." The Scriptural expression is "The Battle of that great day of God Almighty" (Rev. 16:14). This Battle of the great day of God Almighty will bring the Tribulation period to a close and will witness the return of Christ to the earth to …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return "Is the Spirit of the Lord Straitened?"
THERE MAY BE SOME who think they can convert the world by philosophy; that they can renew the heart by eloquence; or that, by some witchcraft of ceremonies, they can regenerate the soul; but we depend wholly and simply and alone on the Spirit of God. He alone worketh all our works in us; and in going forth to our holy service we take with us no strength, and we rely upon no power, except that of the Spirit of the Most High. When Asher's foot was dipped in oil, no wonder he left a foot-mark wherever …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891 A vision of the Latter-Day Glories
We shall not, to-day, look through all the dim vista of Zion's tribulations. We will leave the avenue of troubles and of trials through which the church has passed and is to pass, and we will come, by faith, to the last days; and may God help us while we indulge in a glorious vision of that which is to be ere long, when "the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it." The prophet saw two …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859 Place of Jesus in the History of the World.
The great event of the History of the world is the revolution by which the noblest portions of humanity have passed from the ancient religions, comprised under the vague name of Paganism, to a religion founded on the Divine Unity, the Trinity, and the Incarnation of the Son of God. It has taken nearly a thousand years to accomplish this conversion. The new religion had itself taken at least three hundred years in its formation. But the origin of the revolution in question with which we have to do …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Declarations of Old Testament Prophecy.
It is very apparent to any one who has read thoughtfully through the Old Testament that the First Advent of our Lord did not exhaust the burden and scope of the numerous predictions which had been made concerning Him. Many of the things foretold of Israel's Messiah were not accomplished during the days when He tabernacled among men. Many of the promises found in God's Word connected with the Person of Christ, still await their ratification. While it is true that the First Advent of the Lord Jesus …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius Cæsar and under the Pontificate of Annas and Caiaphas - a Voice in the Wilderness
THERE is something grand, even awful, in the almost absolute silence which lies upon the thirty years between the Birth and the first Messianic Manifestation of Jesus. In a narrative like that of the Gospels, this must have been designed; and, if so, affords presumptive evidence of the authenticity of what follows, and is intended to teach, that what had preceded concerned only the inner History of Jesus, and the preparation of the Christ. At last that solemn silence was broken by an appearance, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Prophet Micah.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. Micah signifies: "Who is like Jehovah;" and by this name, the prophet is consecrated to the incomparable God, just as Hosea was to the helping God, and Nahum to the comforting God. He prophesied, according to the inscription, under Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. We are not, however, entitled, on this account, to dissever his prophecies, and to assign particular discourses to the reign of each of these kings. On the contrary, the entire collection forms only one whole. At …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians at the Table of the Lord;
COMPRISING I. HIS CONFESSION OF FAITH, AND REASON OF HIS PRACTICE; II. DIFFERENCES ABOUT WATER BAPTISM NO BAR TO COMMUNION; AND III. PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES AND TRUE[1] ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Reader, these are extraordinary productions that will well repay an attentive perusal. It is the confession of faith of a Christian who had suffered nearly twelve years' imprisonment, under persecution for conscience sake. Shut up with his Bible, you have here the result of a prayerful study of those holy …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm
(Revelation, Chapters vi.-viii.) "God Almighty! King of nations! earth Thy footstool, heaven Thy throne! Thine the greatness, power, and glory, Thine the kingdom, Lord, alone! Life and death are in Thy keeping, and Thy will ordaineth all: From the armies of Thy heavens to an unseen insect's fall. "Reigning, guiding, all-commanding, ruling myriad worlds of light; Now exalting, now abasing, none can stay Thy hand of might! Working all things by Thy power, by the counsel of Thy will. Thou art God! …
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation Conclusion
"Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth" (Rev. 19:6). In our Foreword to the Second Edition we acknowledge the need for preserving the balance of Truth. Two things are beyond dispute: God is Sovereign, man is responsible. In this book we have sought to expound the former; in our other works we have frequently pressed the latter. That there is real danger of over-emphasising the one and ignoring the other, we readily admit; yea, history furnishes numerous examples of cases of each. To emphasise …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God The Plan for the Coming of Jesus.
God's Darling, Psalms 8:5-8.--the plan for the new man--the Hebrew picture by itself--difference between God's plan and actual events--one purpose through breaking plans--the original plan--a starting point--getting inside. Fastening a Tether inside: the longest way around--the pedigree--the start. First Touches on the Canvas: the first touch, Genesis 3:15.--three groups of prediction--first group: to Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3; to Isaac, Genesis 26:1-5; to Jacob, Genesis 28:10-15; through Jacob, …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
Several interpreters, Paulus especially, have asserted that the interpretation of Micah which is here given, was that of the Sanhedrim only, and not of the Evangelist, who merely recorded what happened and was said. But this assertion is at once refuted when we consider the object which Matthew has in view in his entire representation of the early life of Jesus. His object in recording the early life of Jesus is not like that of Luke, viz., to communicate historical information to his readers. …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Interpretation of Prophecy.
1. The scriptural idea of prophecy is widely removed from that of human foresight and presentiment. It is that of a revelation made by the Holy Spirit respecting the future, always in the interest of God's kingdom. It is no part of the plan of prophecy to gratify vain curiosity respecting "the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power." Acts 1:7. "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God"--this is its key-note. In its form it is carefully adapted to this great end. …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus.
(at Nazareth, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 26-38. ^c 26 Now in the sixth month [this is the passage from which we learn that John was six months older than Jesus] the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth [Luke alone tells us where Mary lived before the birth of Jesus. That Nazareth was an unimportant town is shown by the fact that it is mentioned nowhere in the Old Testament, nor in the Talmud, nor in Josephus, who mentions two hundred four towns and cities of Galilee. The …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Micah
Micah must have been a very striking personality. Like Amos, he was a native of the country--somewhere in the neighbourhood of Gath; and he denounces with fiery earnestness the sins of the capital cities, Samaria in the northern kingdom, and Jerusalem in the southern. To him these cities seem to incarnate the sins of their respective kingdoms, i. 5; and for both ruin and desolation are predicted, i. 6, iii. 12. Micah expresses with peculiar distinctness the sense of his inspiration and the object …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Micah 4:13 NIVMicah 4:13 NLTMicah 4:13 ESVMicah 4:13 NASBMicah 4:13 KJV
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