New International VersionBut now many nations are gathered against you. They say, “Let her be defiled, let our eyes gloat over Zion!”
New Living TranslationNow many nations have gathered against you. “Let her be desecrated,” they say. “Let us see the destruction of Jerusalem.”
English Standard VersionNow many nations are assembled against you, saying, “Let her be defiled, and let our eyes gaze upon Zion.”
Berean Standard BibleBut now many nations have assembled against you, saying, “Let her be defiled, and let us feast our eyes on Zion.”
King James BibleNow also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion.
New King James VersionNow also many nations have gathered against you, Who say, “Let her be defiled, And let our eye look upon Zion.”
New American Standard Bible“And now many nations have been assembled against you Who say, ‘Let her be defiled, And let our eyes gloat over Zion!’
NASB 1995“And now many nations have been assembled against you Who say, ‘Let her be polluted, And let our eyes gloat over Zion.’
NASB 1977“And now many nations have been assembled against you Who say, ‘Let her be polluted, And let our eyes gloat over Zion.’
Legacy Standard BibleBut now many nations have been assembled against you Who say, ‘Let her be polluted, And let our eyes behold Zion in triumph.’
Amplified Bible“Now many [conquering] nations are assembled against you, Who say, ‘Let her be profaned [through Gentile presence and the temple’s destruction], And let our eyes gaze on and gloat over Zion.’
Christian Standard BibleMany nations have now assembled against you; they say, “Let her be defiled, and let us feast our eyes on Zion.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleMany nations have now assembled against you; they say, “Let her be defiled, and let us feast our eyes on Zion.”
American Standard VersionAnd now many nations are assembled against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye see our desire upon Zion.
Contemporary English VersionZion, because of your sins you are surrounded by many nations who say, "We can hardly wait to see you disgraced."
English Revised VersionAnd now many nations are assembled against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye see its desire upon Zion.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationBut now many nations gather against you. They say, "Let's dishonor Zion and gloat over it."
Good News TranslationMany nations have gathered to attack you. They say, "Jerusalem must be destroyed! We will see this city in ruins!"
International Standard Version"Now many nations have gathered against you, saying, 'Let her be defiled,' and 'Let's look down on Zion.'
NET BibleMany nations have now assembled against you. They say, "Jerusalem must be desecrated, so we can gloat over Zion!"
New Heart English BibleNow many nations have assembled against you, that say, "Let her be defiled, and let our eye gloat over Zion."
Webster's Bible TranslationNow also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut now many nations have assembled against you, saying, “Let her be defiled, and let us feast our eyes on Zion.”
World English BibleNow many nations have assembled against you, that say, “Let her be defiled, and let our eye gloat over Zion.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd now, many nations have gathered against you, who are saying: “Let her be defiled, and our eyes look on Zion.”
Young's Literal Translation And now, gathered against thee have been many nations, who are saying: 'Let her be defiled, and our eyes look on Zion.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd now many nations were gathered against thee, saying, She shall be defiled, and our eyes shall look upon Zion. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd now many nations are gathered together against thee, and they say: Let her be stoned: and let our eye look upon Sion.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd now many peoples have been gathered together against you, and they say, “Let her be stoned and let our eyes gaze upon Zion.”
New American BibleAnd now many nations are gathered against you! They say, “Let her be profaned, let our eyes see Zion’s downfall!”
New Revised Standard VersionNow many nations are assembled against you, saying, “Let her be profaned, and let our eyes gaze upon Zion.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow many nations shall gather against you, who say, Let Zion be defiled, and let our eyes look upon it.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedTherefore many nations shall be assembled against you, those who have been saying: ”You shall be defiled, oh Zion, and our eye shall see it!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And now many nations are assembled against thee, That say: 'Let her be defiled, and let our eye gaze upon Zion.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd now have many nations gathered against thee, saying, We will rejoice, and our eyes shall look upon Sion.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Restoration of Zion… 10Writhe in agony, O Daughter of Zion, like a woman in labor. For now you will leave the city and camp in the open fields. You will go to Babylon; there you will be rescued; there the LORD will redeem you from the hand of your enemies! 11But nowmanynationshave assembledagainst you,saying,“Let her be defiled,and let us feast our eyeson Zion.”12But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD or understand His plan, for He has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor.…
Cross References Psalm 2:1-3Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: / “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.”
Isaiah 8:9-10Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered! / Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us.”
Zechariah 12:3On that day, when all the nations of the earth gather against her, I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who would heave it away will be severely injured.
Joel 3:9-12Proclaim this among the nations: “Prepare for war; rouse the mighty men; let all the men of war advance and attack! / Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weak say, ‘I am strong!’ / Come quickly, all you surrounding nations, and gather yourselves. Bring down Your mighty ones, O LORD. ...
Ezekiel 38:9-12You and all your troops, and many peoples with you will go up, advancing like a thunderstorm; you will be like a cloud covering the land. / This is what the Lord GOD says: On that day, thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will devise an evil plan. / You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will come against a quiet people who dwell securely, all of them living without walls or bars or gates— ...
Jeremiah 50:41-42Behold, an army is coming from the north; a great nation and many kings are stirred up from the ends of the earth. / They grasp the bow and spear; they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Babylon.
Zechariah 14:2For I will gather all the nations for battle against Jerusalem, and the city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city.
Isaiah 17:12-14Alas, the tumult of many peoples; they rage like the roaring seas and clamoring nations; they rumble like the crashing of mighty waters. / The nations rage like the rush of many waters. He rebukes them, and they flee far away, driven before the wind like chaff on the hills, like tumbleweeds before a gale. / In the evening, there is sudden terror! Before morning, they are no more! This is the portion of those who loot us and the lot of those who plunder us.
Revelation 19:19Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies assembled to wage war against the One seated on the horse, and against His army.
Psalm 83:2-8See how Your enemies rage, how Your foes have reared their heads. / With cunning they scheme against Your people and conspire against those You cherish, / saying, “Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more.” ...
Isaiah 29:7-8All the many nations going out to battle against Ariel—even all who war against her, laying siege and attacking her—will be like a dream, like a vision in the night, / as when a hungry man dreams he is eating, then awakens still hungry; as when a thirsty man dreams he is drinking, then awakens faint and parched. So will it be for all the many nations who go to battle against Mount Zion.
Revelation 20:8-9and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to assemble them for battle. Their number is like the sand of the seashore. / And they marched across the broad expanse of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. But fire came down from heaven and consumed them.
Jeremiah 25:31-33The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth because the LORD brings a charge against the nations. He brings judgment on all mankind and puts the wicked to the sword,’” declares the LORD. / This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Behold! Disaster is spreading from nation to nation; a mighty storm is rising from the ends of the earth.” / Those slain by the LORD on that day will be spread from one end of the earth to the other. They will not be mourned, gathered, or buried. They will be like dung lying on the ground.
Daniel 11:40-45At the time of the end, the king of the South will engage him in battle, but the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots, horsemen, and many ships, invading many countries and sweeping through them like a flood. / He will also invade the Beautiful Land, and many countries will fall. But these will be delivered from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the leaders of the Ammonites. / He will extend his power over many countries, and not even the land of Egypt will escape. ...
Matthew 24:9Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.
Treasury of Scripture Now also many nations are gathered against you, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look on Zion. many. Isaiah 5:25-30 Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcaseswere torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his handis stretched out still… Isaiah 8:7,8 Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many,even the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks: … Jeremiah 52:4 And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenthday of the month,that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it, and built forts against it round about. let our. Micah 7:10 Thenshe that is mine enemy shall seeit, and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets. Obadiah 1:12 But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress. Jump to Previous AssembledDefiledDesireEyeEyesFateGatheredGazeGloatNationsPollutedProfanedTogetherUncleanZionJump to Next AssembledDefiledDesireEyeEyesFateGatheredGazeGloatNationsPollutedProfanedTogetherUncleanZionMicah 4 1.The glory,5.and the peace of Christ's kingdom.6.The restoration,11.and victory of the church.But now many nations have assembled against youThis phrase indicates a time of crisis for Israel, where multiple nations are united in opposition. Historically, Israel faced numerous invasions and threats from surrounding nations such as Assyria and Babylon. This assembly against Israel can be seen as a fulfillment of the warnings given by prophets about the consequences of turning away from God. The gathering of nations against Israel is also a recurring theme in prophetic literature, symbolizing the world's opposition to God's chosen people and, by extension, to God's plans. saying, “Let her be defiled
The desire for defilement reflects the nations' intent to humiliate and desecrate Israel, both physically and spiritually. In the Old Testament, defilement often refers to the violation of what is holy, including the land, the temple, and the people. This reflects a deeper spiritual battle, where the nations seek to undermine Israel's covenant relationship with God. Theologically, this can be seen as an attack on God's holiness and His promises to His people. and let us feast our eyes on Zion.”
Zion, representing Jerusalem and the spiritual heart of Israel, is the focus of the nations' hostility. The phrase "feast our eyes" suggests a desire to witness the downfall and destruction of what is sacred. Zion holds significant theological importance as the city of David and the location of the temple, symbolizing God's presence among His people. This longing to see Zion's defilement can be interpreted as a challenge to God's sovereignty and a foreshadowing of the ultimate victory of God's kingdom, as seen in eschatological prophecies where Zion is restored and exalted. Persons / Places / Events 1. MicahA prophet in the 8th century BC, Micah delivered messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah and Israel. 2. ZionOften used to refer to Jerusalem, Zion is a symbol of God's chosen people and His dwelling place. 3. NationsRepresents the various foreign powers surrounding Israel and Judah, often hostile and seeking their downfall. 4. Judah and IsraelThe divided kingdoms of God's chosen people, often facing threats from surrounding nations. 5. Prophetic AssemblyThe gathering of nations against Zion, symbolizing the opposition of the world against God's people. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsDespite the assembly of nations against Zion, God's ultimate control and plan for His people remain unshaken. The Reality of OppositionBelievers should expect opposition from the world, as seen in the gathering of nations against God's people. Hope Amidst HostilityEven when surrounded by adversaries, God's promises provide hope and assurance of deliverance. Spiritual WarfareThe assembly against Zion symbolizes the spiritual battles believers face, reminding us to rely on God's strength. Faithfulness in TrialsJust as Zion faced defilement, Christians are called to remain faithful amidst trials and temptations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Micah 4:11?
2.How does Micah 4:11 illustrate God's sovereignty over nations opposing Israel?
3.What does Micah 4:11 teach about God's protection of His people?
4.How can we trust God's plan when facing opposition, as in Micah 4:11?
5.How does Micah 4:11 connect with Romans 8:31 about God being for us?
6.In what ways can we apply Micah 4:11 to current global conflicts?
7.What does Micah 4:11 reveal about God's plan for nations opposing Israel?
8.How does Micah 4:11 fit into the broader context of biblical prophecy?
9.What historical events might Micah 4:11 be referencing?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Micah 4?
11.How can Micah 4:1-2 predict a future peace on an actual mountain when no archeological evidence supports such a global gathering place?
12.If Micah 4:3 foretells nations beating swords into plowshares, why has history seen continuous warfare without this promised era of peace?
13.Why does Micah 4:6-7 claim God will gather the lame and outcasts if no recorded mass restoration event for these groups exists?
14.What is God's Holy Mountain?What Does Micah 4:11 Mean But now- The phrase signals a sharp contrast with the promise of future glory inMicah 4:1-10. - God turns the prophet’s gaze from the coming millennial peace to the present crisis. - Similar prophetic pivots appear inIsaiah 40:1-2 followed by 40:27, reminding us that God sees both the “already” and the “not yet.”
Many nations have assembled against you- Literally, surrounding peoples were preparing to besiege Jerusalem (2 Kings 18:9-12). - Prophetically, this foreshadows the end-time coalition prophesied inJoel 3:2 andZechariah 12:2-3. -Psalm 2:1-3 pictures the same global rage: “Why do the nations rage…?”. - God’s covenant people often face numerical and political odds that appear overwhelming, yet the Lord remains sovereign (2 Chronicles 20:1-17).
Saying- The nations voice their intent openly, echoing the taunts heard inLamentations 2:16: “All your enemies open their mouths against you….” - Jesus experienced similar mockery at the cross (Matthew 27:41-43), showing that unbelieving hostility toward God’s people ultimately targets God Himself.
Let her be defiled- Their desire is to profane Jerusalem—both physically by conquest and spiritually by shaming her covenant status (Ezekiel 36:20-21). - “We have been greatly humiliated,” Israel laments inJeremiah 51:51, revealing the deep wound such defilement causes. - Yet the Lord promises to cleanse His people (Zechariah 13:1), overturning the enemy’s goal.
And let us feast our eyes on Zion- The phrase pictures gloating spectators, like those inObadiah 1:12 who “gazed on the day of your brother’s misfortune.” - Enemies rejoice in what they assume is Zion’s defeat (Micah 7:10), but their triumph is short-lived. -Revelation 11:9-11 shows a future parallel where the wicked celebrate, only to be shocked by God’s swift vindication.
SummaryMicah 4:11 reveals the world’s hostility toward God’s covenant people: a present-tense gathering of many nations, vocal contempt, a craving to profane Jerusalem, and a lust to gloat over her downfall. Scripture consistently affirms that such opposition cannot nullify God’s promises. The same Lord who allows the siege also guarantees the deliverance (Micah 4:12-13). What appears to be Zion’s darkest hour only sets the stage for God’s decisive victory and ultimate glory. (11) Let her be defiled.--The seventy-fourth Psalm records the calamity foreseen by the prophet: "They have cast fire into Thy sanctuary, they have defiled ( by casting down) the dwelling-place of Thy Name to the ground." Look upon--i.e., contemplate her destruction with pleasure. Verses 11-13. - § 7. Rescued from Babylon, Zion overcomes all enemies in the strength of God.Verse 11. - Now also;and now. A new scene is presented in contrast to the view in vers, 1-4. Many nations are gathered against thee. Primarily the Assyrians are meant ( Isaiah 33:3), whose armies were composed of various nationalities ( Isaiah 22:6; see below, Micah 5:5). Pusey thinks that the reference is rather to the attacks of petty enemies, e.g. in Maccabean times, and in the Samaritans' opposition to the rebuilding of the temple. Cheyne would place vers. 5-10 in a parenthesis, and connect the present with the ideal description in vers. 1-4. Let her be defiled;i.e.. profaned, despoiled of her boasted holiness and inviolability. LXX., ἐπιχαρούμεθα, "we will rejoice." The Vulgate, lapidetur, points to her punishment as an adulteress, which does not suit the context. Let our eye look upon Zion. The heathen anticipate with malicious pleasure the sight of the humiliation of Jerusalem (comp. Obadiah 1:12, 13).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew But nowוְעַתָּ֛ה(wə·‘at·tāh)Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258:At this timemanyרַבִּ֑ים(rab·bîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7227:Much, many, greatnationsגּוֹיִ֣ם(gō·w·yim)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1471:A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locustshave assembledנֶאֶסְפ֥וּ(ne·’es·p̄ū)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 622:To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, removeagainst you,עָלַ֖יִךְ(‘ā·la·yiḵ)Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstsaying,הָאֹמְרִ֣ים(hā·’ō·mə·rîm)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Let her be defiled,תֶּחֱנָ֔ף(te·ḥĕ·nāp̄)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 2610:To be polluted or profaneand let us feast our eyesעֵינֵֽינוּ׃(‘ê·nê·nū)Noun - cdc | first person common plural
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountainon Zion.”בְּצִיּ֖וֹן(bə·ṣî·yō·wn)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6726:Zion -- a mountain in Jerusalem, also a name for Jerusalem
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OT Prophets: Micah 4:11 Now many nations have assembled against you (Mc Mic. Mi) |
