Micah 5:4-5

5:4 He will assume his post and shepherd the people by the Lord’s strength,

by the sovereign authority of the Lord his God.

They will live securely, for at that time he will be honored

even in the distant regions of the earth.

5:5 He will give us peace.

Should the Assyrians try to invade our land

and attempt to set foot in our fortresses,

we will send against them seven 10  shepherd-rulers, 11 

make that eight commanders. 12 


tn Heb “stand up”; NAB “stand firm”; NASB “will arise.”

tn The words “the people” are supplied in the translation for clarification.

tn Heb “by the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.”

tn The words “in peace” are supplied in the translation for clarification. Perhaps וְיָשָׁבוּ (vÿyashavu, “and they will live”) should be emended to וְשָׁבוּ (vÿshavu, “and they will return”).

tn Heb “be great.”

tn Or “to the ends of.”

tn Heb “and this one will be peace”; ASV “and this man shall be our peace” (cf. Eph 2:14).

tc Some prefer to read “in our land,” emending the text to בְּאַדְמָתֵנוּ (bÿadmatenu).

tn Heb “raise up.”

10 sn The numbers seven and eight here symbolize completeness and emphasize that Israel will have more than enough military leadership and strength to withstand the Assyrian advance.

11 tn Heb “shepherds.”

12 tn Heb “and eight leaders of men.”