Micah 7:1-20

     Micah opens as if he were a fruit-picker looking for fresh fruit to eat that he might be nourished; but there is none to be found (Mic 7:1). The fruit he’s looking for is the fruit of righteousness, but instead he finds “the godly person has perished from the land, and there is no upright person among men” (Mic 7:2a). Instead, he finds the vast majority of Israelites “lie in wait for bloodshed; each of them hunts the other with a net” (Mic 7:2b). The rulers, judges and prominent men were experts at doing evil; for what they desired, they worked together to make happen (Mic 7:3). The best of Israel’s leaders were like thorn bushes that injure those who come in contact with them (Mic 7:4a). What the watchmen had predicted concerning Israel’s judgment was about to come true (Mic 7:4b). The nation’s corruption was so systemic that one could not even trust a friend, neighbor, or even the close members of a household (Mic 7:5-6a), for “A man’s enemies are the men of his own household” (Mic 7:6b). Though the situation was extremely bad, Micah—and the faithful remnant—had hope in God, as the prophet declares, “But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me” (Mic 7:7). Micah’s faith in God kept him from plunging into total pessimism. Next, Micah speaks as a representative of the nation of Israel, and though it falls and dwells in darkness, it will rise again, for the Lord is their light (Mic 7:8). Israel had violated God’s law, and for that, they must “bear the indignation of the Lord” (Mic 7:9a). And this will continue until the Lord pleads their case and rescues them in the future (Mic 7:9b), at which time God will bring them into the light and they will see His righteousness (Mic 7:9c). Israel’s enemy, who questioned them during the time of God’s judgment, asking, “where is the LORD your God?” will be ashamed when the nation is delivered (Mic 7:10a). Because of the enemy’s gloating and hostility toward Israel, God will judge that nation, and Israel will look on her oppressors, who “will be trampled down like mire of the streets” (Mic 7:10b). Micah then prophecies of the future millennial kingdom when Jerusalem will be rebuilt and the borders expanded (Mic 7:11). This will be a time when people will flock to the nation, from Assyria and Egypt (Israel’s enemies), as well as from around the world, “from sea to sea and mountain to mountain” (Mic 7:12); and prior to this, the nations will be judged (Mic 7:13; cf. Matt 25:32-33, 46). Micah prays God will shepherd the nation (Mic 7:14a), leading them to fertile ground, like that found in Bashan and Gilead, east of the Jordan (Mic 7:14b). He asks that God would perform miracles and rescue His people from persecution, like He did when Israel was rescued from Egypt (Mic 7:15). At that time, the nations of the world will be ashamed of their behavior (Mic 7:16), and will be humbled, like the serpent who licks the dust (Mic 7:17a), they will approach the Lord in humility, trembling before Him, “To the LORD our God they will come in dread and they will be afraid before You” (Mic 7:17b). Micah then closes with praise to God who pardons their iniquity and delights in unchanging love (Mic 7:18), who will have compassion on them and “will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea” (Mic 7:19). God’s loyal-love, merciful character, and faithfulness to His people were encouraging words to Micah, as well as to the faithful remnant who were living in a corrupt society. Micah’s hope was rooted in God’s integrity, for He made oaths to Abraham and Jacob concerning Israel’s future (Mic 7:20; cf. Gen 12:2-3; 28:13-14), and He cannot lie (Num 23:19; Heb 6:18). Jesus will bring this to pass when He ushers in the kingdom.