5:4

This verse describes the way in which the ruler will rule his people.

5:4a–b

Notice the parallel lines that are similar in meaning:

^4a He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD,

^4b in the majestic name of the LORD his God.

There is an ellipsis (a deliberately omitted phrase) in 5:4b. In some languages, it may be necessary to supply the missing words from 5:4a. For example:

^4b he will stand and shepherd them in the majestic name of the LORD his God.

5:4a

In some versions this verse starts with a word that indicates how this clause connects to the previous clauses. In those versions, it introduces a further description of the ruler who is talked about in the previous verses.

Here are some ways to indicate how this clause connects to the previous clauses:

• Use a general (non-specific) connection word such as “and.” For example:

  And He will arise and shepherd his flock (NASB)

• Leave the connection implied. For example:

  He will rise up to lead them (REB)

• Make the connection more explicit. For example:

  When he comes, he will rule his people (GNT)

Indicate this clause connection in a natural way in your language.

He will stand and shepherd His flock: This clause is a metaphor that compares the future ruler to a shepherd. It describes the way he will rule over his people. He will lead, protect, and care for them in the same way that a shepherd cares for sheep.NAC (page 100). Also, this metaphor probably reminded people of King David, who was a shepherd as a young man. See UBS (page 210) and Waltke 2007 (page 283).

Here are some ways to translate this metaphor:

• Use a metaphor. For example:

  he shall stand and feed his flock (NRSV)

• Use a simile. Make the similarity or topic explicit if it will be helpful. For example:

  Like a shepherd taking care of his sheep, this ruler will lead and care for his people (CEV)

• Translate the meaning without using a figure of speech. For example:

  he will rule his people (GNT)

stand: In this context, there are two main ways to interpret the Hebrew word for stand:

1. It means “arrive” or “appear on the scene” and assume his responsibilities.BDB (page 764) #5975 Qal 6.a; Waltke 2007 (page 282), NAC (page 100), and NICOT (page 346). For example:

   He will become the shepherd of his flock (adapted from GW)

   He will assume his post and shepherd the people (NET)

   He shall take his place as shepherd (NABRE) (CEV, GW, NABRE, NASB, NET, NJB, REB, GNT)The NJB (“take his stand”) and the REB (“rise up to lead them”) have been listed here with some uncertainty. The NJB may imply taking his stand against opponents. Similarly, the REB may imply rising up against an enemy, such as the Assyrians (5:5).

2. It means to “be firm” or “be unmovable.”NAC (page 100), A&F (page 469), and Waltke 2007 (page 282). For example:

   He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock (NAB) (NAB)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).Some scholars think that “stand” may include the aspect of standing firm as well as the aspects of arriving and assuming his responsibilities. For example, see Waltke 2007 (page 282). Many versions, including the BSB, translate stand literally. Try to translate it so that one or more aspects of interpretation (1) will be clearly understood.

shepherd His flock: Here this phrase refers to the ruler governing his people.KD (page 328).

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

shepherd the people (NET)

lead his flock (NLT)

take care of his people (NCV)

rule his people (GNT)

in the strength of the LORD: This phrase describes the way in which the future ruler will rule. It means that the ruler’s ability and strength to rule comes from the LORD.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

with the strength that comes from the Lord (GNT)

by the might of the Lord (NJPS)

The LORD will give him the ability to do this.

5:4b

in the majestic name of the LORD His God: This phrase also describes the way in which the future ruler will rule. It means that the ruler will govern his people with the kind of excellence/highness that characterizes the LORD his God.

majestic: This word is literally “height.” When it refers to God, as in this phrase, it means “exultation,” “majesty,” or “excellence.”BDB #1347 (pages 144–145).

Since this phrase is parallel with 5:4a, God’s being majestic here may refer especially to his great power. For example:

^4a…with the Lord’s strength ^4band with the power of the name of the Lord his God. (NCV)

^4a…by the might of the Lord ^4bby the power of the name of the Lord his God (NJPS)

name of the LORD: This phrase may be a title for Yahweh. It is another way to refer to him.HALOT (electronic edition, pages 1550–1551) calls the phrase “an interchangeable expression for Yahweh.” NAC (page 100) says it refers to the LORD himself or to his manifested character. His name implies his character and his attributes, such as his power and authority.NICOT (page 346), Waltke 2007 (page 283), and CBC (page 328) all suggest that this phrase refers to the LORD delegating his authority to the ruler.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

the Lord God himself (GNT)

the sovereign authority of the Lord his God (NET)

his God: This phrase indicates that there is a very close relationship between the ruler and the LORD.Some of the commentators that talk about the implication of an especially close relationship are Waltke 2007, NICOT and KD.

5:4c

And they will dwell securely: This clause talks about the time when the ruler will govern in the strength and majesty of the LORD. His people will be able to live securely. They will no longer have to struggle with war and exile.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

His people will live in safety (GNT)

Then his people will live there undisturbed (NLT)

and they will be secure (NJB)

5:4d

for then His greatness will extend to the ends of the earth: This clause gives the reason why his people will live securely. It is because the ruler will be great throughout the whole earth.

for then: This phrase indicates the connection of this clause to the previous one. The word for indicates that the clause is a reason. The word then refers to the future time when the ruler will come. Here are two other ways to translate it:

• Leave this word implied. For example:

  because his greatness will reach all over the earth (NCV)

• Use a word or phrase that indicates a future time. For example:

  because at that time he will be great to the ends of the earth (NASB)

His greatness will extend to the ends of the earth: Here the word greatness means to be very important like a king.BDB #1431.

Here are some things that this clause implies:

1. His kingdom and authority will reach everywhere on earth.Waltke 2007 (pages 285–286), NICOT (page 347), Achtemeier (page 340), and KD (page 328).

2. He will defeat all his enemies.Waltke 2007 (pages 285–286).

3. He will have the omnipotence (unlimited power) of the LORD.Waltke 2007 (pages 285–286).

4. People everywhere will recognize that he is great.UBS (page 211).

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

people all over the earth will acknowledge his greatness (GNT)

he will be highly honored all around the world (NLT)