Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Micah 5:6. It’s a pretty powerful prediction about the future! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is going to protect us from the Assyrian Empire (a very powerful and aggressive group of people) before they invade our land. It's like a promise of protection, and it suggests a specific timeframe – soon after the Assyrians arrive. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And they shall waste the land of Assyria…” - This means the Assyrian Empire will be destroyed or severely damaged in a particular area (Assyria). It’s not just about them losing territory, but their power and influence will be diminished. Think of it as a complete takeover – they'll lose everything. “…and the land of Nimrod in the entrances thereof…” - This is where it gets a little more detailed. "Nimrod" was a powerful king in ancient Middle Eastern history. The verse refers to the area around Nimrod’s kingdom – specifically, the borders and entrance points of his territory. So, this means the Assyrian Empire will be actively attacking and conquering these areas. “Thus shall he deliver [us] from the Assyrian…” - This is the core of the verse. It promises that God will protect us from the Assyrians. “Deliver” here suggests a rescue or protection – not necessarily a complete victory, but a significant shield. “…when he cometh into our land, and when he treadeth within our borders.” - This is the crucial part. It says that the Assyrian Empire will eventually come into our land. “Tread” means to walk or move through – so it’s when they are physically present. The verse also states that if they do enter, we will be protected. In a nutshell: God is going to actively defend us against the Assyrians, and this protection will occur before their full invasion. What does this mean for us? It's a message of hope and reassurance during times of crisis. It speaks to God’s sovereignty over nations and His willingness to intervene on our behalf. It suggests that even though the Assyrians are powerful, God is working to protect us through his chosen people. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy about the future, but it also has a spiritual significance – it speaks to God's ongoing protection and faithfulness to His promises. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Discuss its relevance to current events? Provide more context or background on the Assyrian Empire?