And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD, that I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots:

MICAH 5:10KJV
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Micah 5:10 (KJV)

What does Micah 5:10 mean?

Micah 5:10 says that God will remove the people’s horses and destroy their chariots, meaning He will take away their military strength and the things they trust for protection. This is a promise that God Himself will act, not just a warning or threat.

Micah is speaking God’s words to the people of Israel, who often relied on military power and alliances instead of trusting God. In this verse, God declares that “in that day” He will personally cut off (remove) their horses and destroy their chariots, which were symbols of military might and self-reliance. The verse points to a time when God wants His people to depend on Him alone, not on their own resources or strength.

The Hebrew behind Micah 5:10

  • “Horses” (סוּסִים, sûsîm): In ancient Israel, horses were mainly used for war, not farming or daily travel. Mentioning horses here highlights the focus on military power.
  • “Chariots” (מֶרְכָּבוֹת, merkâvôt): Chariots were advanced weapons of the time, representing the height of military technology and security.
  • “Cut off” (כָּרַת, karat): This word means to completely remove or destroy, not just reduce. God is promising a thorough removal of these things.
  • “In the midst of you” (בְּקִרְבֵּךְ, b’qirbekh): This phrase shows that the removal will happen right among the people, not just at the borders or in distant places.

Why Micah 5:10 matters

  • Micah 5:10 corrects the idea that Israel’s safety comes from military power, showing that God wants His people to trust Him instead of their own strength.
  • The verse connects to the wider message of Micah, where God calls His people away from false security and back to a relationship of trust and dependence on Him.
  • This verse helps clarify that God’s actions are not just about punishment, but about removing obstacles that keep His people from relying on Him fully.

Where else these words appear

“chariots” Hebrew H4818 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 41:43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
  • 1 Kings 20:33 Now the men did diligently observe whether any thing would come from him, and did hastily catch it: and they said, Thy brother Benhadad. Then he said, Go ye, bring him. Then Benhadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:24 His servants therefore took him out of that chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died, and was buried in one of the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.

“horses” Hebrew H5483 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 47:17 And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.
  • 2 Kings 14:20 And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David.
  • Jeremiah 8:16 The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan: the whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones; for they are come, and have devoured the land, and all that is in it; the city, and those that dwell therein.