King James Version

What Does Micah 7:14 Mean?

Micah 7:14 in the King James Version says “Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily in the wood, in the midst of Carmel: l... — study this verse from Micah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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. Feed: or, Rule

Micah 7:14 · KJV


Context

12

In that day also he shall come even to thee from Assyria, and from the fortified cities, and from the fortress even to the river, and from sea to sea, and from mountain to mountain. and fromcities: or, even tocities

13

Notwithstanding the land shall be desolate because of them that dwell therein, for the fruit of their doings. Notwithstanding: or, After that it hath been

14

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. Feed: or, Rule

15

According to the days of thy coming out of the land of Egypt will I shew unto him marvellous things.

16

The nations shall see and be confounded at all their might: they shall lay their hand upon their mouth, their ears shall be deaf.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage (re'eh ammekha beshivtekha tson nachalatekha, רְעֵה עַמְּךָ בְשִׁבְטֶךָ צֹאן נַחֲלָתֶךָ). This prayer addresses God as Shepherd—ra'ah (רָעָה, "to shepherd/feed") indicates both feeding and leading. The shebet (שֵׁבֶט, "rod/staff") is the shepherd's tool for guiding and protecting sheep (Psalm 23:4). Nachalah (נַחֲלָה, "heritage/inheritance") recalls Israel as God's special possession (Deuteronomy 32:9).

Which dwell solitarily in the wood, in the midst of Carmel (shokenim levadad ya'ar betokh Karmel, שֹׁכְנִים לְבָדָד יַעַר בְּתוֹךְ כַּרְמֶל). "Dwelling solitarily" (levadad) suggests isolation during exile or threat—sheep scattered and vulnerable. Yet even in the forest (danger, isolation), God can shepherd them. Carmel, known for lush vegetation, promises provision.

Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old (yir'u Bashan veGil'ad kimei olam, יִרְעוּ בָשָׁן וְגִלְעָד כִּימֵי עוֹלָם). Bashan (east of Jordan) and Gilead were famous for rich pastures and livestock (Deuteronomy 32:14; Jeremiah 50:19). "As in days of old" recalls Israel's golden age under David/Solomon when they possessed these territories and enjoyed prosperity. The prayer asks God to restore former blessings—both territorial possession and spiritual prosperity. Christ fulfills this as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-14) who feeds His flock and will ultimately restore all things (Acts 3:21).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

During exile and oppression, Israel lost control of their historic grazing lands. Bashan and Gilead, once Israelite territories, were occupied by others. The prayer for restoration looked back to the united monarchy's territorial extent and forward to Messianic restoration. Jesus as the Good Shepherd provides the ultimate answer—He feeds His people spiritually (John 6:35), protects them (John 10:28), and will gather them from every nation (John 10:16). The millennial kingdom promises literal restoration of Israel's land and peace (Isaiah 11:6-9), while the New Heavens and Earth provide eternal rest for God's flock (Revelation 7:17, 21:1-4).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing God as our Shepherd with rod and staff provide comfort during times of isolation or vulnerability?
  2. What 'Bashan and Gilead'—places of past blessing and abundance—do you long for God to restore?
  3. How does Jesus as the Good Shepherd fulfill and surpass Micah's prayer for Israel's restoration?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
יִרְע֥וּ1 of 15

Feed

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

עַמְּךָ֣2 of 15

thy people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

בְשִׁבְטֶ֗ךָ3 of 15

with thy rod

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

צֹ֚אן4 of 15

the flock

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

נַֽחֲלָתֶ֔ךָ5 of 15

of thine heritage

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

שֹׁכְנִ֣י6 of 15

which dwell

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

לְבָדָ֔ד7 of 15

solitarily

H910

separate; adverb, separately

יַ֖עַר8 of 15

in the wood

H3293

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

בְּת֣וֹךְ9 of 15

in the midst

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

כַּרְמֶ֑ל10 of 15

of Carmel

H3760

karmel, the name of a hill and of a town in palestine

יִרְע֥וּ11 of 15

Feed

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

בָשָׁ֛ן12 of 15

in Bashan

H1316

bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan

וְגִלְעָ֖ד13 of 15

and Gilead

H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

כִּימֵ֥י14 of 15

as in the days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

עוֹלָֽם׃15 of 15

of old

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Micah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Micah 7:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Micah 7:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study