1 Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grapegleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat: my soul desired the firstripe fruit.
2 The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.
3 That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.
4 The best of them is as a brier: the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen and thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity.
5 Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.
6 For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house.
7 Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.
8 Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.
9 I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.
10 Then she that is mine enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets.
11 In the day that thy walls are to be built, in that day shall the decree be far removed.
12 In that day also he shall come even to thee from Assyria, and from the fortified cities, and from the fortress even to the river, and from sea to sea, and from mountain to mountain.
13 Notwithstanding the land shall be desolate because of them that dwell therein, for the fruit of their doings.
14 Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily in the wood, in the midst of Carmel: let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.
15 According to the days of thy coming out of the land of Egypt will I shew unto him marvellous things.
16 The nations shall see and be confounded at all their might: they shall lay their hand upon their mouth, their ears shall be deaf.
17 They shall lick the dust like a serpent, they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth: they shall be afraid of the LORD our God, and shall fear because of thee.
18 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.
19 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.
20 Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.
Chapter 7 of the book of Micah in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible is a profound chapter that presents a powerful narrative of confession, judgment, mercy, and redemption. This chapter, the last in the book of Micah, is a vivid depiction of the prophet's lament over the moral and spiritual decay of Israel, God's impending judgment, His unfailing mercy, and His promise of future restoration. The chapter is divided into three main themes: lamentation over Israel's sin (verses 1-6), trust in God’s salvation (verses 7-13), and God’s compassion and covenant love (verses 14-20).
The chapter begins with Micah expressing his deep sorrow over the spiritual state of Israel. He uses the metaphor of a vineyard after the harvest to describe the moral and spiritual decay in Israel. He laments that the godly have perished from the earth and there is no one upright among mankind (verse 2). He describes a society characterized by violence, corruption, and a breakdown of social order, where even the most intimate relationships cannot be trusted (verses 5-6). This is a vivid portrayal of a society that has turned away from God and His commandments. Micah's lament is a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of sin and rebellion against God. It highlights the pervasiveness of sin and the depth of Israel's spiritual decline.
Despite the bleak picture painted in the first section, Micah expresses unwavering trust in God's salvation. He declares, "Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me." (verse 7). This statement reflects Micah's deep faith in God and his assurance of God's deliverance. He acknowledges that though God may be angry due to their sins, He will plead their case and execute justice for them (verse 9). This section conveys a powerful message of hope and trust in God's salvation amidst judgment. It underscores the certainty of God's deliverance and His faithfulness to His promises.
The final section of the chapter is a beautiful depiction of God's compassion and covenant love. Micah prays for God to shepherd His people and to lead them to fertile pastures (verse 14), expressing his trust in God's guidance and provision. He recalls God's mighty acts of deliverance in the past, reminding the people of God's power and faithfulness (verse 15).
The chapter concludes with a powerful affirmation of God's mercy, forgiveness, and covenant love. Micah declares that God will show compassion to His people, forgive their iniquity, and cast all their sins into the depths of the sea (verse 19). He reaffirms God's steadfast love and faithfulness to Abraham and Jacob, reminding the people of God's unchanging character and His commitment to His covenant promises (verses 20).
This final section underscores the theme of God's compassion and covenant love, highlighting His mercy, forgiveness, and faithfulness. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging character and His steadfast commitment to His covenant promises.
Chapter 7 of the book of Micah presents a profound narrative of sin, judgment, mercy, and redemption. It begins with a bleak picture of Israel's spiritual and moral decay, moves on to express unwavering trust in God's salvation amidst judgment, and concludes with a powerful affirmation of God's compassion and covenant love.
Theologically, this chapter affirms the holiness and justice of God, His hatred of sin, and His willingness to judge His people for their rebellion. However, it also underscores God's mercy, compassion, and covenant love, affirming His readiness to forgive and restore His people. It highlights the tension between God's justice and His mercy, and affirms that God is both a God of judgment and a God of salvation.
Practically, this chapter encourages believers to trust in God's salvation, even in times of judgment. It reminds us of God's faithfulness to His promises and His unchanging character. It encourages us to repent of our sins, seek God's mercy, and trust in His covenant love. It also challenges us to live uprightly in a sinful world, to wait patiently for God's deliverance, and to hope in His promises.
In conclusion, chapter 7 of the book of Micah is a powerful narrative that encapsulates the profound themes of sin, judgment, mercy, and redemption. It is a vivid portrayal of the consequences of sin, the certainty of God's judgment, the assurance of His salvation, and the abundance of His mercy and covenant love. It is a chapter that challenges, encourages, and inspires us to live faithful lives in a broken world, trusting in the God of our salvation.
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