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.
Overview of Micah Chapter 7
Micah Chapter 7 serves as a poignant conclusion to the prophetic messages delivered by Micah, focusing on themes of despair, hope, and restoration. The chapter reflects the prophet’s deep sorrow over the moral decay of society, yet it also emphasizes the unwavering faithfulness of God and the promise of redemption for His people.
Structure of the Chapter
The chapter can be divided into several key sections:
- Verses 1-6: Lamentation over Corruption
- Micah expresses his sorrow and frustration over the moral decline in Israel.
- He laments the lack of righteous individuals, comparing the situation to a fruitless harvest.
- The relationships among people are characterized by betrayal and deceit.
- Verses 7-10: Hope in the Lord
- Micah shifts from lament to hope, declaring his trust in God.
- He anticipates God’s intervention and vindication for His people.
- The chapter highlights the contrast between the fate of the faithful and the wicked.
- Verses 11-13: Restoration of Israel
- Micah prophesies a time of rebuilding and restoration for Israel.
- He envisions a future where the land will be fruitful and the people will return to God.
- Verses 14-17: Prayer for Guidance
- The prophet calls upon God to shepherd His people and lead them to safety.
- He expresses a desire for divine guidance in the face of adversity.
- Verses 18-20: The Character of God
- Micah extols God’s mercy, forgiveness, and faithfulness.
- He concludes with a reminder of God’s covenant with Israel and His commitment to restore His people.
Thematic Analysis
Despair and Corruption
The opening verses of Micah 7 convey a profound sense of despair. The prophet’s lamentation highlights the pervasive corruption within society, where trust has eroded and moral decay is rampant. This theme resonates with the broader context of the book, where Micah critiques the injustices and idolatry prevalent in Israel.
Hope and Trust in God
Despite the bleak circumstances, Micah’s declaration of hope in verses 7-10 serves as a turning point in the chapter. His unwavering faith in God’s ability to save and restore His people reflects a deep theological conviction. This hope is not merely wishful thinking; it is rooted in the character of God, who is portrayed as just and merciful.
Restoration and Renewal
The promise of restoration in verses 11-13 underscores the prophetic vision of a renewed Israel. Micah’s imagery of rebuilding and flourishing land symbolizes both physical and spiritual renewal. This theme of restoration is central to the prophetic literature, emphasizing God’s desire to reconcile with His people.
Divine Guidance and Leadership
Micah’s prayer for guidance in verses 14-17 highlights the need for divine leadership amidst chaos. The metaphor of God as a shepherd evokes the pastoral care and protection that He provides. This imagery reassures the faithful that they are not abandoned, even in times of crisis.
God’s Mercy and Faithfulness
The closing verses of the chapter encapsulate the essence of God’s character. Micah’s reflection on God’s mercy and forgiveness serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The chapter concludes with a reaffirmation of God’s commitment to His people, emphasizing that despite their failures, His love and faithfulness endure.
Conclusion
Micah Chapter 7 encapsulates the tension between despair and hope, reflecting the struggles of a nation in moral decline while simultaneously affirming the faithfulness of God. The chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of trust in divine mercy and the promise of restoration for those who seek righteousness.
