Micah 7

“The faithful man has perished from the earth” (vs. 1-7)—“Woe is me,” says the prophet. For just as there are no grapes on the vine (v. 1), “the faithful man has perished from the earth, and there is no one upright among men” (v. 2). They were bloodthirsty, and even turned on their own kin (v. 2). These people were dedicated sinners: “That they may do evil with both hands earnestly” (v. 3). I love these prophetic descriptions. They not only did evil, but they did evil “with both hands,” and not only that, but “earnestly.” No wonder they were persecuted and killed (Matt. 23:29-35). Once again, the leaders—princes, judges, and “great” men—come in for censure, especially for accepting bribes (v. 3). This would, of course, lead to a perversion of justice, and recall, one of the things the Lord required of them was to “do justly” (Micah 6:8). “The best of them is like a brier” (v. 4), i.e., useless in and of themselves, but hurting anyone that touches them. Punishment was coming (v. 4). The situation had gotten so bad that Micah’s advice to them was “do not trust in a friend; do not put your confidence in a companion” (v. 5). Indeed, it would get so bad that even households would fight amongst themselves (v. 6). But as always, the Lord can be trusted (v. 7). Indeed, given the atmosphere Micah speaks of, He is the only one who could be trusted.

The penitent captives (vs. 8-12)—It appears here that the prophet speaks in behalf of the future captives of Israel. Their enemies should not rejoice because the Lord will raise Israel up again (v. 8). They would have to bear with His punishment, however, “until He pleads my case and executes justice for me” (v. 9). He would deliver them (v. 9), and bring shame upon those who mocked Jehovah (v. 10). And those enemies “will be trampled down like mud in the streets” (v. 10). The walls of Jerusalem will be rebuilt (v. 11), and their enemies will be humbled before them (v. 12). Verse 13 could be translated “the land HAD been desolate,” referring to the time that Israel and Judah had sinned. Or it could refer to the Messianic age and the results of the Jewish rejection of Christ. The first idea is probably better.

A promise of redemption (vs. 14-20)—Micah, as the prophets often do, closes his book with a stirring vision of hope. The Lord will “shepherd” His people on the richest of land (Carmel, Bashan, and Gilead) as He had once done (v. 14). He would perform wondrous works in their behalf, as He had when He brought them out of Egypt (v. 15). The nations around about them would be stunned by His greatness in behalf of His people (v. 16), and “they shall lick the dust like a serpent; they shall crawl from their holes like snakes of the earth. they shall be afraid of the LORD our God, and shall fear because of You” (v. 17). Verses 18 and 19 may be my two favorite verses in the entire Bible: “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” The name “Micah” means “Who is like Jehovah?” Indeed, there is no God like Him. He forgives our sins and His anger recedes, because of His love of mercy. A compassionate God Who will “tread our iniquities under foot” (ASV) and “cast all our sins into the depths of the sea” (NKJV has “our” instead of “their”). He crushes our sins and tosses them into the Mariana Trench (the deepest spot in the ocean, over 35,000 feet below the water). Micah may not have the Mariana Trench in mind, but that’s his point. Truth and mercy (or “steadfast love,” KJV) come only from Him, something He had “sworn to our fathers from days of old” (v. 20).

And God always keeps His promises.

What a beautiful conclusion to a marvelous book.