Verse 9 expresses much the same ideas as verse 8, but in simpler language. Some translators may prefer to make the connection between verse 8 and verse 9 clearer. This can be done by beginning verse 9 with something like “In the same way” or “In this way.”

“Your hand shall be lifted up over your adversaries” (Revised Standard Version) describes a sign of victory (see Exo 17.11-13, where the people of Israel were victorious in battle as long as Moses kept his arms raised). To say “your enemies shall be cut off” is to speak of their utter defeat. The Hebrew verb for “cut off” is often used in this way, and its occurrence here foreshadows its use four times in verses 10-13. Good News Translation avoids mention of the symbolic gesture of raising the hand in victory, and also avoids the figurative use of “cut off.” Thus it expresses the sense of the verse in plain language as Israel will conquer her enemies and destroy them all. Israel means of course “the people of Israel.” Good News Translation refers to Israel as her in the expression her enemies, but translators should use whatever pronoun is natural in their own languages.

In Hebrew, the prophet speaks directly to the people of Israel in this verse, as shown by “Your hand” in Revised Standard Version. Good News Translation has felt that it is easier to translate this verse in the third person, but translators can keep the direct address by showing in their translations who it is that is spoken to: “Israel, you will conquer.”

Quoted with permission from Clark, David J. et al. A Handbook on Micah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1978, 1982, 1993. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .