Verse
Context
God’s Compassion on Israel
17They will lick the dust like a snake, like reptiles slithering on the ground. They will crawl from their holes in the presence of the LORD our God; they will tremble in fear of You. 18Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance— who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion? 19He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast out all our sins into the depths of the sea.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who is a God like unto thee, etc - Here is a challenge to all idol worshippers, and to all those who take false views of the true God, to show his like. See his characters; they are immediately subjoined. 1. He pardoneth iniquity. This is the prerogative of God alone; of that Being who alone has power to save or to destroy. 2. He passeth by transgression. He can heal backsliding, and restore them that are fallen. 3. He retaineth not his anger forever. Though, justly displeased because of sin, he pours out his judgments upon the wicked; yet when they return to him, he shows "that he retaineth not his anger forever," but is indescribably ready to save them. 4. He delighteth in mercy. Judgment is his strange work: he is ever more ready to save than to destroy. Nothing can please him better than having the opportunity, from the return and repentance of the sinner, to show him that mercy without which he must perish everlastingly. 5. Because he is such a God - 1. "He will turn again." His face has been long turned from us, because of our sins. 2. "He will have compassion upon us" pity our state, and feel for our sorrows. 3. "He will subdue our iniquities." Though they have been mighty, he will bring them down, and bruise them under our feet. 4. "He will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." Will fully pardon them, and never more remember them against us. Instead of חטאתם chattotham, Their sins, five MSS. of Kennicott's and De Rossi's, with the Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate, and Arabic read חטאתינו chattotheynu, Our sins. He will plunge them into eternal oblivion, never more to come into sight or remembrance; like a stone dropped into the "depths of the sea."
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
"Who is a God like Thee? removing guilt and passing over iniquity to the remnant of His inheritance. He retaineth not His anger for ever, for He delighteth in mercy. Mic 7:19. He will have compassion upon us again, tread down our transgressions; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Mic 7:20. Mayest Thou show truth to Jacob, mercy to Abraham, which Thou hast sworn to our fathers from the days of old." מי אל כּמוך looks back to Exo 15:11; but whether Micah also plays upon his own name is doubtful. Like the first redemption of Israel out of Egypt, the second or still more glorious redemption of the people of God furnishes an occasion for praising the incomparable nature of the Lord. But whereas in the former Jehovah merely revealed Himself in His incomparable exaltation above all gods, in the restoration of the nation which had been cast out among the heathen because of its sins, and its exaltation among the nations, He now reveals His incomparable nature in grace and compassion. The words נשׂא עון וגו are formed after Exo 34:6-7, where the Lord, after the falling away of Israel from Him by the worship of the golden calf, reveals Himself to Moses as a gracious and merciful God, who forgives guilt and sin. But this grace and compassion are only fully revealed in the restoration and blessing of the remnant of His nation by Jesus Christ. (For Mic 7:18, see Psa 103:9.) As One who delighteth in mercy, He will have compassion upon Israel again (yâshūbh used adverbially, as in Hos 14:8, etc.), will tread down its sins, i.e., conquer their power and tyranny by His compassion, and cast them into the depths of the sea, as He once conquered the tyrant Pharaoh and drowned him in the depths of the sea (Exo 15:5, Exo 15:10). This believing assurance then closes with the prayer (tittēn is optative) that the Lord will give His rescued nation truth and mercy ('ĕmeth and chesed, after Eze 34:6), i.e., give them to enjoy, or bestow upon them, what He had sworn to the patriarchs (Gen 22:16). Abraham and Jacob are mentioned instead of their family (cf. Isa 41:8). With this lofty praise of the Lord, Micah closes not only the last words, but his whole book. The New Testament parallel, as Hengstenberg has correctly observed, is Rom 11:33-36; and the μυστήριον made known by the apostle in Rom 11:25. gives us a view of the object and end of the ways of the Lord with His people.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Grateful at such unlooked-for grace being promised to Israel, Micah breaks forth into praises of Jehovah. passeth by the transgression--not conniving at it, but forgiving it; leaving it unpunished, as a traveller passes by what he chooses not to look into (Pro 19:11). Contrast Amo 7:8, and "mark iniquities," Psa 130:3. the remnant--who shall be permitted to survive the previous judgment: the elect remnant of grace (Mic 4:7; Mic 5:3, Mic 5:7-8). retaineth not . . . anger-- (Psa 103:9). delighteth in mercy--God's forgiving is founded on His nature, which delights in loving-kindness, and is averse from wrath.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who is a God like unto thee,.... There is no God besides him, none so great, so mighty, as he; none like him for the perfections of his nature; for the works of his hands; for the blessings of his goodness, both of providence and grace; and particularly for his pardoning grace and mercy, as follows: that pardoneth iniquity: that "lifts" it up, and "takes" it away, as the word (t) signifies; thus the Lord has taken the sins of his people off of them, and laid them on Christ, and he has bore them, and carried them away, as the antitype of the scapegoat, never to be seen and remembered any more; and whereas the guilt of sin lies sometimes as a heavy burden upon their consciences, he lifts it up, and takes it away, by sprinkling the blood of Christ upon them, and by applying his pardoning grace and mercy to them: pardon of sin is peculiar to God; none can forgive it but he against whom it is committed; forgiveness of sin is with him, promised by him in covenant, proclaimed in Christ, by him obtained and published in the Gospel: and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? the people of God are his portion, his lot, and his inheritance; they are a remnant according to the election of grace, chosen of God, taken into his covenant, redeemed by Christ, and called by grace, and brought to repent and believe; these God forgives, even all their transgressions, sins, and iniquities of every kind; which is here expressed by another word, "passing them by", or "passing over them": sin is a transgression or passing over the law, and pardon is a passing over sin; God taking no notice of it, as if he saw it not; not imputing it to his people, or calling them to an account for it; or condemning and punishing them according to the desert of it; but hiding his face from it, and covering it: he retaineth not his anger for ever; that which he seemed to have against his people, and appeared in some of the dispensations of his providence, is not continued and lengthened out, and especially for ever, but it disappears; he changes the course of his providence, and his conduct and behaviour to his people, and, hews them his face and favour, and manifests his forgiving love; which is a turning himself from his anger; see Psa 85:2; because he delighteth in mercy; which is natural to him, abundant with him, and exercised according to his sovereign will and pleasure, very delightful to him; he takes pleasure in showing mercy to miserable creatures, and in those that hope in it, Psa 147:11; this is the spring of pardon, which streams through the blood of Christ. (t) "tollens", Montanus, Tigurine version, Calvin; "aufercus", Drusius; "qui aufers", Grotius.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:18-20 These verses provide a fine brief summary of Old Testament theology. God is unique; there is no one and nothing else like him. Because of his unfailing love (Hebrew khesed), he does not destroy his people whom he judges but instead restores them (see Exod 36:6-7). His faithfulness means that he can be trusted to do good regardless of the cost to himself (see Ps 89:1-2). • Where is another God like you: This question probably plays off of Micah’s name (“Who is like the Lord?”). God’s character is unequaled among the gods of the nations. His actions and words spring from his character (Exod 34:6-7). God pardons, shows compassion, triumphs over his peoples’ sins, and seals those sins away. The Lord’s unfailing love moved him to choose Israel from the beginning (Deut 7:8), consistent with his covenant faithfulness to Israel’s ancestors (Deut 7:20; 9:1–10:22). By his unfailing love, God continues to offer hope to those who trust in him.
God’s Compassion on Israel
17They will lick the dust like a snake, like reptiles slithering on the ground. They will crawl from their holes in the presence of the LORD our God; they will tremble in fear of You. 18Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance— who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion? 19He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast out all our sins into the depths of the sea.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 Peter - Part 2): God's Abundant Mercy
By A.W. Tozer32K40:26Abundant MercyPSA 103:12PSA 136:1MIC 7:18MAT 6:33LUK 18:13EPH 2:41PE 1:3In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a man who wanted to look presentable before going to a fine place. However, he was rejected because the artist wanted him as he was. The preacher then talks about two men who went to the temple to pray, emphasizing the importance of being honest and genuine in our prayers to God. He also mentions the need to continue praying regardless of our circumstances or feelings. The sermon concludes with a reference to a hymn that reminds us to trust in Jesus' name rather than relying on our own emotions or frames of mind.
God Is Forgiveness
By David Wilkerson5.2K52:44ForgivenessMIC 7:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the increasing power of temptation in the modern world, particularly through the internet and television. He highlights the negative impact of these temptations on the minds of children, including exposure to pornography. The preacher emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and repentance for Christians to experience the blessedness of knowing their sins are forgiven. He encourages believers to fully understand and believe in God's forgiveness, emphasizing that it is available the moment one asks for it and repents. The sermon concludes with a plea for the Holy Spirit to open hearts to receive forgiveness and grace.
Revival Now
By Mark Greening3.6K1:12:42Coming RevivalPSA 103:8JOL 2:12MIC 7:18MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for Christians to constantly be revived and restored to God, even after being saved. He shares his personal experience of realizing the root of sin and the importance of honesty with God. The speaker also recounts a powerful moment of witnessing to a woman named Nellie, who initially rejected the gospel but later broke down in tears and accepted Christ. The sermon highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the impact of prayer in leading others to salvation.
Baptism and the Gospel
By Paul Washer2.9K00:00BaptismGEN 3:15JON 1:4MIC 5:2MIC 7:18MAT 7:21ACT 10:42HEB 4:12In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of remembering what God has done for us. He then introduces the topic of the gospel and its significance. The speaker uses the story of Jonah to illustrate the power of God and the need for a savior. He highlights the transformation that occurs when someone experiences true conversion, using the example of Augustine, a wicked man who became a changed person after encountering God. The sermon concludes with the announcement of baptizing four women who have professed their faith.
Helps in Soul-Winning
By Gerhard Du Toit2.6K1:04:21Soul WinningMIC 7:18MAT 11:28LUK 15:7JHN 1:9JHN 6:37ACT 3:19ROM 3:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the condition of man as lost in order to effectively share the gospel. He mentions conducting seminars on soul-winning and counseling pastors for salvation. The speaker highlights the power of the Word of God in convicting individuals of sin and shares a personal experience with the president of South Africa who was saved. He also provides practical advice for soul-winners, emphasizing the need for reliance on God and addressing difficulties that may arise during counseling. The sermon references the Bible verse Hebrews 4:12 to emphasize the power of the Word of God.
Through the Bible - Jonah, Micah
By Zac Poonen1.7K53:54MIC 2:6MIC 6:1MIC 6:9MIC 7:14MIC 7:18In this sermon, the speaker discusses God's controversy with His people as described in Micah chapters six and seven. The Lord challenges Israel to state their case against Him, reminding them of all the ways He has blessed and redeemed them. The speaker emphasizes the importance of sincere repentance and turning back to the Lord. The sermon concludes with a message of hope and encouragement, highlighting God's mercy and forgiveness for His people.
(Suffering in the Christian Life) 3. the Grace of the Chastener
By Roy Hession1.3K49:47GraceEXO 33:18PSA 103:9ISA 57:15LAM 3:31MIC 7:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that although troubles may seem endless, there is always a way out and light at the end of the tunnel. The devil may try to convince us otherwise, but we must remember that God delights in showing mercy. The preacher references Isaiah 57:15-16, which states that God dwells with those who have a contrite and humble spirit and that He does not contend with us forever. The sermon also highlights the importance of grace over judgment, as it encourages repentance and restoration.
A Life Beyond Description
By Erlo Stegen1.3K1:20:57LifePSA 103:12PRO 17:24MIC 7:18ROM 8:31EPH 5:16HEB 13:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ. He urges listeners to examine their lives and ensure that they are living wisely, not foolishly. The preacher emphasizes that this should be a daily commitment, with every aspect of one's life being a perfect picture of a Christian life. He warns that failing to live according to these principles is a disgrace to Jesus Christ and God's Word. The preacher encourages listeners to repent if their lives do not align with this description and to seek God's guidance in redeeming their time and living as more than conquerors.
Informal Talk
By Paul Washer1.1K1:47:42TalkEXO 34:5MIC 7:18ROM 4:7In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful illustration about a coach and a young man at the beach. The coach holds the young man underwater until he is desperate for air, and then tells him that when he wants to succeed in pro-ball as much as he wanted to breathe, he will become a pro-ball player. The speaker uses this story to emphasize the importance of belief and desire in achieving our goals. He also discusses the need to order our lives and prioritize our time in order to focus on God and His Word. The speaker encourages consistency and discipline in seeking God daily and applying His teachings to our lives.
To Be Happy Again
By Basilea Schlink95804:30Radio ShowPSA 32:5PSA 51:17PRO 28:13MIC 7:18LUK 15:10EPH 1:71JN 1:9In this sermon, Basil E. Shlink shares a personal testimony of finding everlasting joy through recognizing and repenting of sin. He recounts how a friend inspired him to pray for a contrite and repentant heart, which led to a renewed awareness of his sins and a deep sorrow for how he had wronged God and others. Through this process, he rediscovered the joy of being forgiven and cleansed by God's grace. Shlink emphasizes the importance of continually asking God to reveal our sins and grant us a heart that weeps over them, as this gift of repentance brings true joy and transforms our lives.
Habakkuk - Part 3
By Roy Hession7061:02:27HabakkukEXO 34:61CH 16:34JOL 2:12MIC 7:18HAB 3:2MAT 6:33LUK 15:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the book "Daily Light" in understanding and handling scripture. The book is praised for its simple juxtaposition of Bible verses without any commentary. The preacher highlights the recurring theme of God's mercy and grace throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the story of Israel's journey from Egypt. Moses' desire to know God's glory leads to a revelation of God's forgiving nature. The sermon concludes with the realization that God's mercy and grace are essential for the redemption and forgiveness of sin.
(Through the Bible) Jonah & Micah
By Zac Poonen59654:00EXO 3:10PSA 50:23ISA 53:5MIC 6:8MIC 7:7MIC 7:18MAT 12:40REV 3:11This sermon delves into the book of Jonah, highlighting the story of God's tremendous love for all people, the narrow-heartedness of the Jewish people, and the large-heartedness of God towards the nations. It emphasizes the importance of obedience, breaking down prejudices, and the power of praise in difficult situations. The sermon also touches on the need for righteousness, mercy, and humility in serving the Lord, warning against exploitation and corruption. It concludes with a message of hope, reminding listeners of God's compassion, forgiveness, and unfailing love.
The Most Precious Gift
By Basilea Schlink59004:35Radio ShowMIC 7:18MAT 6:33ROM 5:8EPH 1:7HEB 9:221PE 1:181JN 1:7In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a criminal who believed he was beyond salvation. Despite his reputation, he attended a worship service where missionaries gave him a new testament. In despair, he threw the book to the ground, but it fell open to a verse that changed his life. The underlined verse, 1 John 1:7, spoke of the cleansing power of Jesus' blood. The criminal saw Jesus before his eyes, and the blood of Jesus flowed down upon his mountain of sin, breaking the power of his despair. The speaker emphasizes that no one is a hopeless case in God's eyes and encourages listeners to reflect on their own response to Jesus' sacrifice and forgiveness.
Encountering God's Glory in the Face of Betrayal (Jn. 16:2)
By Mike Bickle401:24:30Spiritual GrowthBetrayalPSA 55:12MIC 7:18MAT 5:44MAT 24:10MRK 13:12LUK 21:16JHN 16:2ROM 12:141CO 11:231PE 4:14Mike Bickle emphasizes the profound impact of betrayal in the Christian journey, particularly as it relates to persecution. He explains that betrayal, especially from those close to us, is not only painful but also transformative, drawing us closer to God and deepening our faith. Bickle encourages believers to prepare for future persecution by understanding its divine purpose and the spiritual growth it can foster. He highlights the importance of remembering Jesus' teachings on betrayal and responding with love and mercy, as exemplified by figures like David and Micah. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a generation of believers to embrace the challenges of betrayal as opportunities for spiritual maturity and to cultivate compassion for those who betray them.
Understanding How God Feels About People: 7 Principles
By Mike Bickle2754:07God's LoveAssurance of EnjoymentPSA 103:10JER 12:7LAM 3:22MIC 7:18MAT 26:41LUK 15:4JHN 15:92CO 5:171JN 3:11JN 4:19Mike Bickle emphasizes understanding God's feelings towards us, highlighting that God loves and enjoys us despite our weaknesses and failures. He explains that our perception of God's emotions can often be clouded by feelings of condemnation or presumption, which can hinder our relationship with Him. Bickle outlines seven principles that clarify how God interacts with us, including the importance of recognizing His enjoyment of us even in our immaturity and the distinction between His love and approval. He encourages believers to align their hearts with God, assuring them that His enjoyment is not contingent on their performance but rather on their sincere desire to obey Him.
Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
By Mike Bickle261:02:46MercyJudgmentPSA 18:35MIC 7:18MAT 5:7MAT 9:13MAT 12:7JHN 3:27ROM 8:1HEB 12:14JAS 2:131PE 4:8Mike Bickle emphasizes that mercy triumphs over judgment, illustrating how receiving and extending mercy is more transformative than criticism or judgment in all aspects of life. He warns against misinterpreting mercy as a license for wrongdoing, stressing that true mercy aligns with God's terms and leads to genuine repentance and obedience. Bickle encourages believers to respond with mercy to others, especially those who mistreat us, as this fosters freedom in our hearts and relationships. He highlights the biblical principle that the measure we use to judge others will be used against us, urging a shift from a critical spirit to one of kindness and understanding. Ultimately, Bickle reassures that God's mercy is abundant and should inspire us to extend that same mercy to others.
Living With the Assurance That God Enjoys Us
By Mike Bickle2455:26God's LoveAssurance in WeaknessPSA 16:11ISA 62:4MIC 7:18LUK 15:11HEB 10:19Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of understanding God's heart towards us, especially in our weaknesses. He shares how the enemy often accuses believers, leading them to feel condemned and distant from God. However, through the parables in Luke 15, Bickle reveals that God is not primarily angry or disappointed but rather delights in us and enjoys our relationship, even amidst our struggles. This understanding fosters confidence and encourages believers to approach God boldly, knowing they are loved and accepted. Ultimately, Bickle encourages sincere believers to embrace their identity as those whom God enjoys, which transforms their relationship with Him.
Discerning Truth and Error About God's Grace, Part 5
By Mike Bickle1753:22RepentanceGod's GracePSA 18:19PSA 36:9MIC 7:18MAT 5:6LUK 15:7ROM 2:4GAL 6:72PE 3:91JN 1:71JN 4:17Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of understanding God's emotions towards us at different stages of spiritual maturity. He clarifies that God's grace is not a license to sin but requires genuine repentance and a heartfelt response to Him. Bickle explains that spiritual disciplines are essential for growth but do not earn God's grace; rather, they position our hearts to receive it. He reassures believers that God delights in their sincere efforts to seek Him, regardless of their maturity level, and that true repentance leads to transformation over time. Ultimately, Bickle encourages believers to embrace their relationship with God, knowing that He values their heart's desire to grow closer to Him.
How to Respond to Global Crisis (Joel 2:12-17)
By Mike Bickle1759:40RepentancePrayerPSA 2:8PSA 103:10ISA 30:18EZK 33:11JOL 2:12MIC 7:18ZEP 2:3MAT 5:29HEB 7:25JAS 4:2Mike Bickle emphasizes the critical role of prayer and wholeheartedness in responding to global crises, drawing from Joel 2:12-17. He explains that God desires genuine repentance and intercession from His people, highlighting the dignity of free will and the impact of collective prayer on national and international events. Bickle encourages believers to gather in solemn assemblies, emphasizing that their choices can either invite blessings or open doors for judgment. He reassures that God's heart is gracious and merciful, always ready to relent from harm if His people turn to Him with sincerity. The sermon calls for a radical commitment to prayer and unity in seeking God's will during challenging times.
The Triumphs of Mercy
By J.C. Philpot2PSA 103:12PSA 106:43ISA 1:18ISA 12:1ISA 54:7JER 31:34MIC 7:18ZEC 3:3J.C. Philpot preaches about the profound mercy of God as depicted in Micah 7:18-19, highlighting God's delight in mercy, manifestation of mercy in pardoning sins, and the challenge to find a God like Him who pardons iniquity and subdues sins. Philpot emphasizes that God's attributes are inseparable from Him, and His mercy is a delight to bestow upon repentant sinners. He explains how God's mercy manifests in turning away His anger, passing over transgressions, having compassion, and subduing iniquities, ultimately casting all sins into the depths of the sea, making them irrecoverable. Philpot encourages believers to trust in God's complete forgiveness and sanctification, challenging the worshipers of false gods to find a deity capable of pardoning sin like the God of Israel.
The Beatitudes the Fifth Beatitude
By A.W. Pink1MercyCharacter of a BelieverPSA 18:25PRO 11:17PRO 14:21PRO 21:21MIC 7:18MAT 5:7MAT 6:15MAT 7:2GAL 6:72TI 1:16A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of the fifth Beatitude, 'Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy,' highlighting that true mercifulness is a reflection of the mercy received from God. He explains that this trait is not a prerequisite for receiving mercy but rather a natural outcome of being filled with Christ's love and grace. Pink clarifies that mercifulness involves compassion, forgiveness, and a non-retaliating spirit, which stems from the new nature given by the Holy Spirit. He warns against the misinterpretation of this Beatitude as a basis for salvation by works, asserting that it describes the character of genuine disciples. Ultimately, Pink concludes that the merciful will not only find joy in their actions but will also receive mercy from God and others.
Micah 7:18
By Chuck Smith0God's MercyTransformation through ChristPSA 103:8ISA 55:7EZK 33:11MIC 7:18JHN 8:36ROM 5:82CO 5:171JN 1:9Chuck Smith preaches on Micah 7:18, emphasizing the unique nature of God who pardons iniquity and shows mercy, contrasting Him with pagan gods who are vengeful and selfish. He highlights God's compassion, His willingness to forgive, and His power to subdue our iniquities, offering hope to those struggling with sin. Smith reassures that God does not remain angry forever and delights in showing mercy, encouraging believers to trust in God's ability to transform their lives. Ultimately, he calls for a personal commitment to serve this merciful God who desires a relationship with His people.
The Vessels of Mercy and the Vessels of Wrath Delineated
By Samuel Davies0MIC 7:18JHN 3:3ROM 9:212CO 5:52CO 5:17EPH 2:3HEB 11:161PE 1:4Samuel Davies preaches about the distinction between the vessels of mercy and the vessels of wrath, illustrating how God prepares some for glory and others for destruction based on their dispositions and behaviors. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared for heaven by cultivating heavenly dispositions like love for God, delight in holiness, and fellowship with the saints. Davies warns about the dreadful consequences of being unfit for heaven and the inevitable misery that awaits those who persist in sinful and ungodly behaviors. He urges the listeners to reflect on their current state, seek divine grace for transformation, and take immediate steps towards spiritual renewal to avoid the wrath of God and secure a place in the heavenly inheritance.
Our Condition - God's Mercy!
By James Smith0PSA 103:8PSA 136:23PSA 145:9LAM 3:22MIC 7:182CO 1:3EPH 2:4TIT 3:5HEB 4:161PE 1:3James Smith preaches on the poetic records of God's mercy in the Psalms, reflecting on Israel's history as a mirror of our own spiritual journey. He emphasizes our low condition due to sin and rebellion against God, highlighting our need for God's mercy and redemption. Smith delves into the depth of God's mercy, which is freely given, great, and everlasting, providing for our every need and leading us to eternal glory. He encourages the congregation to focus on God's mercy above all else, as it will follow, comfort, and crown us both in this life and in the life to come.
Fellowship With Christ and Friends Contrasted
By John Newton0PRO 19:11MIC 7:18EPH 4:2COL 3:141PE 4:8John Newton preaches about the importance of not judging others' circumstances hastily, emphasizing the need for delicacy and circumspection in maintaining relationships and avoiding offense. He reflects on the inconsistency in our behavior towards God compared to our loved ones, highlighting God's infinite mercy and forgiveness towards His people. Newton also discusses the unity of spirit that transcends doctrinal differences, focusing on the essential knowledge of Jesus as the Savior for true heart unity, rather than engaging in divisive controversies.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who is a God like unto thee, etc - Here is a challenge to all idol worshippers, and to all those who take false views of the true God, to show his like. See his characters; they are immediately subjoined. 1. He pardoneth iniquity. This is the prerogative of God alone; of that Being who alone has power to save or to destroy. 2. He passeth by transgression. He can heal backsliding, and restore them that are fallen. 3. He retaineth not his anger forever. Though, justly displeased because of sin, he pours out his judgments upon the wicked; yet when they return to him, he shows "that he retaineth not his anger forever," but is indescribably ready to save them. 4. He delighteth in mercy. Judgment is his strange work: he is ever more ready to save than to destroy. Nothing can please him better than having the opportunity, from the return and repentance of the sinner, to show him that mercy without which he must perish everlastingly. 5. Because he is such a God - 1. "He will turn again." His face has been long turned from us, because of our sins. 2. "He will have compassion upon us" pity our state, and feel for our sorrows. 3. "He will subdue our iniquities." Though they have been mighty, he will bring them down, and bruise them under our feet. 4. "He will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." Will fully pardon them, and never more remember them against us. Instead of חטאתם chattotham, Their sins, five MSS. of Kennicott's and De Rossi's, with the Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate, and Arabic read חטאתינו chattotheynu, Our sins. He will plunge them into eternal oblivion, never more to come into sight or remembrance; like a stone dropped into the "depths of the sea."
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
"Who is a God like Thee? removing guilt and passing over iniquity to the remnant of His inheritance. He retaineth not His anger for ever, for He delighteth in mercy. Mic 7:19. He will have compassion upon us again, tread down our transgressions; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Mic 7:20. Mayest Thou show truth to Jacob, mercy to Abraham, which Thou hast sworn to our fathers from the days of old." מי אל כּמוך looks back to Exo 15:11; but whether Micah also plays upon his own name is doubtful. Like the first redemption of Israel out of Egypt, the second or still more glorious redemption of the people of God furnishes an occasion for praising the incomparable nature of the Lord. But whereas in the former Jehovah merely revealed Himself in His incomparable exaltation above all gods, in the restoration of the nation which had been cast out among the heathen because of its sins, and its exaltation among the nations, He now reveals His incomparable nature in grace and compassion. The words נשׂא עון וגו are formed after Exo 34:6-7, where the Lord, after the falling away of Israel from Him by the worship of the golden calf, reveals Himself to Moses as a gracious and merciful God, who forgives guilt and sin. But this grace and compassion are only fully revealed in the restoration and blessing of the remnant of His nation by Jesus Christ. (For Mic 7:18, see Psa 103:9.) As One who delighteth in mercy, He will have compassion upon Israel again (yâshūbh used adverbially, as in Hos 14:8, etc.), will tread down its sins, i.e., conquer their power and tyranny by His compassion, and cast them into the depths of the sea, as He once conquered the tyrant Pharaoh and drowned him in the depths of the sea (Exo 15:5, Exo 15:10). This believing assurance then closes with the prayer (tittēn is optative) that the Lord will give His rescued nation truth and mercy ('ĕmeth and chesed, after Eze 34:6), i.e., give them to enjoy, or bestow upon them, what He had sworn to the patriarchs (Gen 22:16). Abraham and Jacob are mentioned instead of their family (cf. Isa 41:8). With this lofty praise of the Lord, Micah closes not only the last words, but his whole book. The New Testament parallel, as Hengstenberg has correctly observed, is Rom 11:33-36; and the μυστήριον made known by the apostle in Rom 11:25. gives us a view of the object and end of the ways of the Lord with His people.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Grateful at such unlooked-for grace being promised to Israel, Micah breaks forth into praises of Jehovah. passeth by the transgression--not conniving at it, but forgiving it; leaving it unpunished, as a traveller passes by what he chooses not to look into (Pro 19:11). Contrast Amo 7:8, and "mark iniquities," Psa 130:3. the remnant--who shall be permitted to survive the previous judgment: the elect remnant of grace (Mic 4:7; Mic 5:3, Mic 5:7-8). retaineth not . . . anger-- (Psa 103:9). delighteth in mercy--God's forgiving is founded on His nature, which delights in loving-kindness, and is averse from wrath.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who is a God like unto thee,.... There is no God besides him, none so great, so mighty, as he; none like him for the perfections of his nature; for the works of his hands; for the blessings of his goodness, both of providence and grace; and particularly for his pardoning grace and mercy, as follows: that pardoneth iniquity: that "lifts" it up, and "takes" it away, as the word (t) signifies; thus the Lord has taken the sins of his people off of them, and laid them on Christ, and he has bore them, and carried them away, as the antitype of the scapegoat, never to be seen and remembered any more; and whereas the guilt of sin lies sometimes as a heavy burden upon their consciences, he lifts it up, and takes it away, by sprinkling the blood of Christ upon them, and by applying his pardoning grace and mercy to them: pardon of sin is peculiar to God; none can forgive it but he against whom it is committed; forgiveness of sin is with him, promised by him in covenant, proclaimed in Christ, by him obtained and published in the Gospel: and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? the people of God are his portion, his lot, and his inheritance; they are a remnant according to the election of grace, chosen of God, taken into his covenant, redeemed by Christ, and called by grace, and brought to repent and believe; these God forgives, even all their transgressions, sins, and iniquities of every kind; which is here expressed by another word, "passing them by", or "passing over them": sin is a transgression or passing over the law, and pardon is a passing over sin; God taking no notice of it, as if he saw it not; not imputing it to his people, or calling them to an account for it; or condemning and punishing them according to the desert of it; but hiding his face from it, and covering it: he retaineth not his anger for ever; that which he seemed to have against his people, and appeared in some of the dispensations of his providence, is not continued and lengthened out, and especially for ever, but it disappears; he changes the course of his providence, and his conduct and behaviour to his people, and, hews them his face and favour, and manifests his forgiving love; which is a turning himself from his anger; see Psa 85:2; because he delighteth in mercy; which is natural to him, abundant with him, and exercised according to his sovereign will and pleasure, very delightful to him; he takes pleasure in showing mercy to miserable creatures, and in those that hope in it, Psa 147:11; this is the spring of pardon, which streams through the blood of Christ. (t) "tollens", Montanus, Tigurine version, Calvin; "aufercus", Drusius; "qui aufers", Grotius.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:18-20 These verses provide a fine brief summary of Old Testament theology. God is unique; there is no one and nothing else like him. Because of his unfailing love (Hebrew khesed), he does not destroy his people whom he judges but instead restores them (see Exod 36:6-7). His faithfulness means that he can be trusted to do good regardless of the cost to himself (see Ps 89:1-2). • Where is another God like you: This question probably plays off of Micah’s name (“Who is like the Lord?”). God’s character is unequaled among the gods of the nations. His actions and words spring from his character (Exod 34:6-7). God pardons, shows compassion, triumphs over his peoples’ sins, and seals those sins away. The Lord’s unfailing love moved him to choose Israel from the beginning (Deut 7:8), consistent with his covenant faithfulness to Israel’s ancestors (Deut 7:20; 9:1–10:22). By his unfailing love, God continues to offer hope to those who trust in him.