The durian is a fruit famous in Southeast Asia, particularly in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. It tends to spark one of two reactions: love or hate. Enthusiasts savour its rich, creamy taste, while detractors find it utterly repulsive. For some, just the smell alone is enough to trigger disgust.

In today’s reading, we see two contrasting roles of God’s people, much like the polarising reactions to the durian. The “remnant of Jacob”, God’s people, will impact the nations around them in two very different ways. First, they will be a source of blessing (Micah 5:7), like dew on parched land, or refreshing rain on plants. Just as dew and rain come without human prompting, God will use the remnant to bring blessing to the nations in His time. This blessing likely comes through the nations receiving God’s instruction or law (4:2).

However, the second role involves bringing judgment to the nations (5:8). God’s people are described as lions among animals. Just as a lion rules its territory and fearlessly takes down its prey, so will God’s people display fearsome and unstoppable strength once they act.

Verse 9 can be understood as either Micah’s hopeful wish for the remnant or a prayer to God—May your hand be lifted. A prayer seems more likely, since God’s act of destroying adversaries is described in the following section (vv. 10–15). Regardless, God is the one who will judge the enemies through the remnant.

The remnant living among the nations will proclaim and live out God’s message of salvation and judgment. The remnant likely includes the faithful from both the northern and southern kingdoms (v. 3). Their life and witness will provoke two very different responses in the people they live among. Some will accept God’s message and be blessed; others will reject it and face judgment.

As Christians and as the church, we carry and share the good news of Jesus Christ. Through our lives and witness, we become the aroma of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:15–16). To some, this aroma is the fragrance of life. To others, it smells like death.