Micah 2:4
In that day shall one take up a parable against you, and lament with a doleful lamentation, and say, We be utterly spoiled: he hath changed the portion of my people: how hath he removed it from me! turning away he hath divided our fields.
Micah 2:4 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Micah is a prophecy foretelling a time of lamentation and sorrow for the people. It speaks about a future event where the nation will be mourned and criticized for their actions. The verse suggests that the people will realize the consequences of their sins and how they have brought ruin upon themselves. The mention of spoiling and changing the portion of the people indicates a loss and destruction that they will face. The reference to the division of fields signifies a separation and disunity among the people. Overall, this verse serves as a warning and a call to repentance for the nation to avoid the impending judgment and devastation that will befall them. It highlights the importance of staying faithful and righteous in order to prevent such calamities from happening.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse could be that it is a prophecy of judgement against a sinful nation. The parable mentioned here could be a form of poetic language used to convey the severity of the judgement that will come upon the people. The lamentation expresses deep sorrow and regret over the consequences of their actions. The verse speaks of being utterly spoiled and having their portion changed, which could symbolize the loss of blessings and prosperity that were once enjoyed by the people. The division of fields could represent the fragmentation and disunity among the nation as a result of their disobedience to God. This passage serves as a warning to the people to repent and return to the Lord before it is too late.
Micah 2:4 in other translations
American Standard Version
In that day shall they take up a parable against you, and lament with a doleful lamentation, [and] say, We are utterly ruined: he changeth the portion of my people: how doth he remove [it] from me! to the rebellious he divideth our fields.
World English Bible
In that day they will take up a parable against you, and lament with a doleful lamentation, saying, ‘We are utterly ruined! My people’s possession is divided up. Indeed he takes it from me and assigns our fields to traitors!’”
Douay-Rheims
In that day a parable shall be taken up upon you, and a song shall be sung with melody by them that say: We are laid waste and spoiled: the portion of my people is changed: how shall he depart from me, whereas he is returning that will divide our land?
Geneva Bible (1599)
In that daye shall they take vp a parable against you, and lament with a dolefull lamentation, and say, We be vtterly wasted: hee hath changed the portion of my people: how hath he taken it away to restore it vnto mee? he hath deuided our fieldes.