Micah 7

Micah 7:1

VIII. THE NATION BEWAILS ITS SAD STATE (7:1-10)7:1, 2 Micah here takes his place with the nation and intercedes to God. The city has been stripped of men who are faithful and upright; violence and murder abound. The sad situation is compared with gleaning vintage grapes and finding no cluster to eat. 7:3-6 The rulers and judges ask for bribes; their punishment is near. None can be depended on. Friends, neighbors, even relatives betray one another. 7:7-10 Only the LORD can be trusted. The faithful remnant of the nation warn their enemy . . . not to rejoice much over them. The calamity is a result of the people’s sins, but the Lord will yet restore His own, to the dismay of their enemies.

Micah 7:11

IX. FUTURE BLESSING FOR ISRAEL (7:11-20)7:11-12 Next Jerusalem is addressed. Her walls would be built again and her boundaries greatly extended. The exiles would return from the lands of their captivity, and the heathen world would be punished for its wickedness. 7:13 This verse seems strange at first reading. The desolation of the land probably refers to the results of the judgment of the Gentiles for the fruit of their deeds. This takes place just before the promised restoration. It should be noted that the Hebrew word translated “land” (eretz) can also mean “earth.” Moffatt paraphrases along these lines also: “though all the world lies desolate in retribution for its pagan ways.” 7:14-17 Verse 14 is a prayer addressed to the Lord, asking for food and shepherd care. The Lord assures His people that He will do such wonderful things for them that the Gentile nations will be ashamed and will bow low before Him. 7:18-20 Micah closes his prophecy with a song of praise to God, extolling His mercy, forgiveness, compassion, faithfulness, and steadfast love.