Now gather yourself in troops, O daughter of troops; siege is laid against us; with a rod they strike the judge of Israel on the cheek—Micah returns to present suffering, describing the humiliation of Judah's leader being struck on the cheek, a sign of ultimate degradation. The command to 'gather in troops' addresses the people or city with ironic language, acknowledging that gathering for defense will prove futile. The striking of 'the judge of Israel' references the political leader and possibly evokes the Babylonian captivity or the coming suffering of the messianic figure. The immediate context of suffering and humiliation sets the stage for the following verse's dramatic promise of a messiah from Bethlehem. This verse acknowledges the depths of Israel's degradation and prepares for the unexpected promise of restoration through a new leader.

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