And they shall waste the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in the entrances thereof: thus shall he deliver us from the Assyrian, when he cometh into our land, and when he treadeth within our borders.

MICAH 5:6KJV
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Micah 5:6 (KJV)

What does Micah 5:6 mean?

Micah 5:6 describes how the people will defeat and destroy the land of Assyria and the territory called the land of Nimrod with the sword, and that God will rescue them from the Assyrian when he invades their land and crosses their borders. The verse promises deliverance from a powerful enemy who threatens Israel.

The prophet Micah is speaking to the people of Israel at a time when they faced threats from the Assyrian empire, a dominant force in the region. By mentioning both "Assyria" and the "land of Nimrod," Micah points to well-known centers of power and aggression. The verse assures the people that, despite the danger, God will act to save them when their enemies invade.

The Hebrew behind Micah 5:6

  • "waste" (רָעָה, ra‘ah) is often used for shepherding but here carries the sense of ravaging or destroying, emphasizing the thorough defeat of Assyria’s land.
  • "entrances" (פֶּתַח, pethach) refers to entry points or gateways, suggesting that even the strongholds or borders of the enemy will not be safe from attack.
  • "deliver" (נָצַל, natsal) means to rescue or snatch away, highlighting that the rescue will be decisive and active, not just a passive escape.

Why Micah 5:6 matters

  • Micah 5:6 clarifies that the threat from Assyria is not permanent; the verse promises that God’s people will not only survive but also overcome their oppressors.
  • By naming both Assyria and the land of Nimrod, the verse connects Israel’s current enemies to ancient symbols of opposition, showing the scope of God’s deliverance.
  • This verse fits into a larger section where Micah reassures Israel that, despite coming hardship, God’s protection and intervention are certain.

Where else these words appear

“Nimrod” Hebrew H5248 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 10:8 And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth.
  • Genesis 10:9 He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:10 And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be mighty upon the earth.

“treadeth” Hebrew H1869 · used in 59 verses

  • Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
  • Psalms 7:12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
  • Isaiah 63:3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.

“Assyria” Hebrew H804 · used in 138 verses

  • Genesis 2:14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.
  • 2 Kings 20:6 And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.
  • Isaiah 36:8 Now therefore give pledges, I pray thee, to my master the king of Assyria, and I will give thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.

“waste” Hebrew H7462 · used in 144 verses

  • Genesis 4:2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
  • Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
  • Jeremiah 31:10 Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.