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.

MICAH 7:14KJV
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Micah 7:14 (KJV)

What does Micah 7:14 mean?

Micah 7:14 is a prayer asking God to care for and guide His people, described as His flock, and to let them live securely and abundantly in their land as they did in the past. The verse uses the image of a shepherd with a staff tending sheep, picturing God’s protective leadership and provision for Israel.

Micah, speaking on behalf of the people, asks God to "feed" (care for) His people with His "rod" (staff), referring to God’s authority and guidance. The people are called God’s "heritage," living alone in a wooded area, likely a picture of their vulnerable state. The request to let them "feed in Bashan and Gilead" recalls regions known for rich pastureland, expressing a longing for restoration to former blessings.

The Hebrew behind Micah 7:14

  • "Feed" (רָעָה, ra‘ah): This word means to shepherd or care for, not just to provide food but to guide and protect, highlighting the shepherd-like relationship between God and His people.
  • "Rod" (שֵׁבֶט, shevet): Often translated as "staff" or "scepter," this word points to authority and leadership, suggesting God’s active role in ruling and caring for His people.
  • "Solitarily" (בָּדָד, badad): This word means alone or isolated, emphasizing Israel’s separation from other nations and perhaps their vulnerability or uniqueness.
  • "Heritage" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): This word refers to something inherited or possessed, underlining that the people belong to God as His special possession.

Why Micah 7:14 matters

  • Micah 7:14 clarifies that the prophet is not just asking for physical needs but for God’s leadership and protective care, using shepherd imagery familiar to ancient Israel.
  • The mention of Bashan and Gilead connects the prayer to Israel’s history, reminding readers of times of abundance and God’s faithfulness in the past.
  • This verse helps set up the hope for restoration in the closing section of Micah, showing a longing for God to renew His relationship with His people after judgment.

Where else these words appear

“solitarily” Hebrew H910 · used in 11 verses

  • Leviticus 13:46 All the days wherein the plague shall be in him he shall be defiled; he is unclean: he shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his habitation be.
  • Deuteronomy 33:28 Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew.
  • Jeremiah 15:17 I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.

“Carmel” Hebrew H3760 · used in 25 verses

  • Joshua 12:22 The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one;
  • 1 Kings 18:19 Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.
  • Isaiah 33:9 The earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits.

“Bashan” Hebrew H1316 · used in 53 verses

  • Numbers 21:33 And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he, and all his people, to the battle at Edrei.
  • Joshua 12:5 And reigned in mount Hermon, and in Salcah, and in all Bashan, unto the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, and half Gilead, the border of Sihon king of Heshbon.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:23 And the children of the half tribe of Manasseh dwelt in the land: they increased from Bashan unto Baalhermon and Senir, and unto mount Hermon.

“wood” Hebrew H3293 · used in 58 verses

  • Deuteronomy 19:5 As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbour to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth upon his neighbour, that he die; he shall flee unto one of those cities, and live:
  • Psalms 83:14 As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire;
  • Isaiah 44:23 Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.