Micah 7
BSB1 Woe is me! For I am like one gathering summer fruit at the gleaning of the vineyard; there is no cluster to eat, no early fig that I crave. 2 The godly man has perished from the earth; there is no one upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood; they hunt one another with a net. 3 Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together. 4 The best of them is like a brier; the most upright is sharper than a hedge of thorns. The day for your watchmen has come, the day of your visitation. Now is the time of their confusion. 5 Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms. 6 For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household. 7 But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. 8 Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will arise; though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. 9 Because I have sinned against Him, I must endure the rage of the LORD, until He argues my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me into the light; I will see His righteousness. 10 Then my enemy will see and will be covered with shame— she who said to me, “Where is the LORD your God?” My eyes will see her; at that time she will be trampled like mud in the streets. 11 The day for rebuilding your walls will come— the day for extending your boundary. 12 On that day they will come to you from Assyria and the cities of Egypt, even from Egypt to the Euphrates, from sea to sea and mountain to mountain. 13 Then the earth will become desolate because of its inhabitants, as the fruit of their deeds. 14 Shepherd with Your staff Your people, the flock of Your inheritance. They live alone in a woodland, surrounded by pastures. Let them graze in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old. 15 As in the days when you came out of Egypt, I will show My wonders. 16 Nations will see and be ashamed, deprived of all their might. They will put their hands over their mouths, and their ears will become deaf. 17 They 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. 18 Who 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? 19 He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast out all our sins into the depths of the sea. 20 You will show faithfulness to Jacob and loving devotion to Abraham, as You swore to our fathers from the days of old.
Study Notes — Micah 7
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Micah 7
- Themes from Micah 7
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Micah 7
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Micah chapter 7 begins with the prophet's lament over the wickedness of his people, stating that the godly have perished and the faithful have disappeared (Micah 7:1-2). He then describes the pervasive corruption and violence in society, noting that even the best of people are tainted by sin (Micah 7:3-6). Despite this bleak picture, Micah affirms his trust in God, declaring that he will wait for the God of his salvation (Micah 7:7). The chapter concludes with a beautiful expression of faith, as Micah looks forward to the day when God will redeem His people and restore their fortunes (Micah 7:8-20).
Context for the Chapter
Micah chapter 7 is the final chapter of the book of Micah, which was written to the people of Judah during a time of great turmoil and upheaval. The chapter serves as a conclusion to the prophet's message, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and waiting for His deliverance. This theme is consistent with the broader narrative of the Old Testament, which often emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's goodness.
Heart Application
As believers, we can apply the lessons of Micah chapter 7 to our own lives by choosing to trust in God's sovereignty, even in the midst of uncertainty and darkness. We can wait for God's deliverance, confident that He will hear and redeem us, and look forward to the day when He will restore our fortunes and bring us into a deeper experience of His presence.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Micah chapter 7 is about trusting in God's sovereignty and waiting for His deliverance, even in the midst of darkness and uncertainty. The prophet Micah expresses his sorrow over the wickedness of his people, but ultimately looks to God for salvation and redemption. We can apply this lesson to our own lives by choosing to trust in God's goodness and waiting for His deliverance, as seen in Micah 7:7.
Voices from the Church
“Faith is not a mere sentiment, but a living, active, and operative principle, which puts us in possession of the blessing, and makes us enjoy it.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The prophet's trust in God is a remarkable example of the power of faith to overcome even the most daunting challenges and uncertainties.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction: Lament over Wickedness (Micah 7:1-6) — The prophet Micah expresses his sorrow over the corruption and violence in society, noting that even the best of people are tainted by sin.
- Declaration of Trust (Micah 7:7) — Micah declares his trust in God, stating that he will wait for the God of his salvation.
- Vision of Restoration (Micah 7:8-20) — The prophet looks forward to the day when God will restore the fortunes of His people and bring them into a deeper experience of His presence.
- Call to Repentance (Micah 7:8-10) — Micah calls his people to repentance, urging them to acknowledge their sin and turn to God for forgiveness.
- Conclusion: Hope of Redemption (Micah 7:11-20) — The chapter concludes with a beautiful expression of faith, as Micah looks forward to the day when God will redeem His people and restore their fortunes.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- Micah chapter 7 emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, even in the midst of uncertainty and darkness.
- Redemption
- The chapter highlights the concept of redemption, as Micah looks forward to the day when God will restore the fortunes of His people.
- Faith
- The prophet's declaration of faith in God (Micah 7:7) serves as a model for believers to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty.
- Restoration
- Micah's vision of restoration (Micah 7:8-20) offers a powerful reminder of God's power to redeem and restore His people.
Lessons from Micah 7
- The Importance of Trust — Micah's declaration of trust in God (Micah 7:7) serves as a model for believers to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty.
- The Power of Faith — The prophet's faith in God is a remarkable example of the power of faith to overcome even the most daunting challenges and uncertainties.
- The Hope of Restoration — Micah's vision of restoration (Micah 7:8-20) offers a powerful reminder of God's power to redeem and restore His people.
- The Call to Repentance — Micah's call to repentance (Micah 7:8-10) serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging our sin and turning to God for forgiveness.
- The Sovereignty of God — Micah chapter 7 emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, even in the midst of uncertainty and darkness.
Themes from Micah 7
- Trust in God's Sovereignty — Micah chapter 7 emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, even in the midst of uncertainty and darkness.
- The Power of Faith — The prophet's faith in God is a remarkable example of the power of faith to overcome even the most daunting challenges and uncertainties.
- The Hope of Restoration — Micah's vision of restoration (Micah 7:8-20) offers a powerful reminder of God's power to redeem and restore His people.
- The Call to Repentance — Micah's call to repentance (Micah 7:8-10) serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging our sin and turning to God for forgiveness.
- The Importance of Waiting — Micah's declaration of trust in God (Micah 7:7) serves as a model for believers to wait for God's deliverance, even in the midst of uncertainty and darkness.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that you can apply the lesson of trusting in God's sovereignty to your own life?
- How does Micah's declaration of faith in God (Micah 7:7) serve as a model for your own faith?
- What are some ways that you can wait for God's deliverance, even in the midst of uncertainty and darkness?
- How does the concept of restoration in Micah chapter 7 relate to your own experience of God's presence and redemption?
- What are some ways that you can call others to repentance, as Micah does in Micah 7:8-10?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction: Lament over Wickedness (Micah 7:1-6)
| Micah 7:1 | The prophet Micah expresses his sorrow over the corruption and violence in society, noting that even the best of people are tainted by sin. |
| Micah 7:2 | The godly have perished, and the faithful have disappeared, leaving the wicked to prevail. |
| Micah 7:3 | The prince and the judge ask for a bribe, and the powerful dictate what they desire. |
| Micah 7:4 | The best of them is like a brier, and the most upright is worse than a thorn hedge. |
| Micah 7:5 | Do not trust in a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. |
| Micah 7:6 | For a son treats his father with contempt, a daughter rises up against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house. |
2. Declaration of Trust (Micah 7:7)
| Micah 7:7 | Therefore I will wait for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. |
3. Vision of Restoration (Micah 7:8-20)
| Micah 7:8 | Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I will rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. |
| Micah 7:9 | I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my case and executes judgment for me. |
| Micah 7:10 | Then my enemy will see, and shame will cover her who said to me, 'Where is the Lord your God?' My eyes will see her; now she will be trampled down like the mire of the streets. |
| Micah 7:11 | The day will come for rebuilding your walls; in that day your boundaries will be extended. |
| Micah 7:12 | In that day people will come to you from Assyria and the cities of Egypt, and from Egypt to the Euphrates, and from sea to sea, and from mountain to mountain. |
| Micah 7:13 | But the earth will be desolate because of its inhabitants, for the fruit of their deeds. |
| Micah 7:14 | Shepherd Your people with Your staff, the flock of Your heritage, who dwell alone in a forest, in the midst of Carmel; let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in days of old. |
| Micah 7:15 | As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt, I will show him wonders. |
| Micah 7:16 | The nations will see and be ashamed of all their might; they will put their hand over their mouth; their ears will be deaf. |
| Micah 7:17 | They will lick the dust like a serpent; they will come trembling out of their strongholds like snakes from the rocks. |
| Micah 7:18 | Who is a God like You, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in showing mercy. |
| Micah 7:19 | He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities underfoot. Yes, You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. |
| Micah 7:20 | You will give truth to Jacob and mercy to Abraham, which You swore to our fathers from days of old. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Micah chapter 7?
The main theme of Micah chapter 7 is the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and waiting for His deliverance, even in the midst of uncertainty and darkness, as seen in Micah 7:7.
How does Micah's declaration of faith in God (Micah 7:7) serve as a model for believers?
Micah's declaration of faith in God serves as a model for believers to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even in the midst of uncertainty and darkness.
What is the concept of restoration in Micah chapter 7?
The concept of restoration in Micah chapter 7 refers to God's power to redeem and restore His people, as seen in Micah 7:8-20.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Micah 7:1 → Isaiah 5:20 | The theme of lament over wickedness in Micah 7:1 is similar to Isaiah 5:20, where the prophet Isaiah also expresses sorrow over the corruption of his people. |
| 2 | Micah 7:7 → Psalm 27:14 | The theme of waiting for God's deliverance in Micah 7:7 is similar to Psalm 27:14, where the psalmist also encourages believers to wait for the Lord. |
| 3 | Micah 7:8 → Isaiah 40:31 | The theme of hope in Micah 7:8 is similar to Isaiah 40:31, where the prophet Isaiah also encourages believers to wait for the Lord and trust in His power to redeem and restore them. |
| 4 | Micah 7:10 → Romans 11:25-26 | The theme of God's mercy and forgiveness in Micah 7:10 is similar to Romans 11:25-26, where the apostle Paul also discusses God's plan to redeem and restore His people. |
| 5 | Micah 7:11 → Isaiah 54:11-12 | The theme of rebuilding and restoration in Micah 7:11 is similar to Isaiah 54:11-12, where the prophet Isaiah also discusses God's plan to rebuild and restore His people. |
| 6 | Micah 7:14 → Psalm 23:1-4 | The theme of God's shepherdship in Micah 7:14 is similar to Psalm 23:1-4, where the psalmist also discusses God's care and guidance for His people. |
| 7 | Micah 7:15 → Exodus 34:10 | The theme of God's wonders in Micah 7:15 is similar to Exodus 34:10, where God also promises to show His people wonders and mighty deeds. |
| 8 | Micah 7:18 → Psalm 103:8-12 | The theme of God's mercy and forgiveness in Micah 7:18 is similar to Psalm 103:8-12, where the psalmist also discusses God's character and His willingness to pardon and forgive sin. |
| 9 | Micah 7:19 → Isaiah 49:15 | The theme of God's compassion in Micah 7:19 is similar to Isaiah 49:15, where the prophet Isaiah also discusses God's care and compassion for His people. |
| 10 | Micah 7:20 → Genesis 28:15 | The theme of God's faithfulness in Micah 7:20 is similar to Genesis 28:15, where God also promises to be with His people and keep His covenant with them. |
Sermons on Micah 7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(1 Peter - Part 2): God's Abundant Mercy by A.W. Tozer | In 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 wa |
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A Word for Those Who Want to Know God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Daniel and how it relates to our modern times. He highlights Daniel's prophecy about an increase in travel and knowledge in the l |
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The Worms Shall Crawl Out of Their Holes by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the loss of trust and confidence in various institutions, including the judicial system, school system, and even marriage. He highlights the p |
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God Is Forgiveness by David Wilkerson | In 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 |
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Revival Now by Mark Greening | In 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 |
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When the Walls Come Down by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on what more God can do for his vineyard and his people. He emphasizes that God has already done everything possible to bring ministers and bl |
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The Prophecy of Micah by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the fulfillment of predictions made by prophets regarding the destruction of Jerusalem. The speaker highlights that these predictions were lit |
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Baptism and the Gospel by Paul Washer | In 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 speak |
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Helps in Soul-Winning by Gerhard Du Toit | In 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 sou |
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Overcoming Lust (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the evidence of being born of God, which is making war against sin. He describes how indulging in sinful desires may provide temporary pleas |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Micah 7
In Micah chapter 7, the prophet laments the wickedness of his people and the corruption that pervades society. Despite this bleak picture, Micah affirms his trust in God, declaring that he will wait for the God of his salvation. The chapter concludes with a beautiful expression of faith, as Micah looks forward to the day when God will redeem His people and restore their fortunes. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and waiting for His deliverance, even in the midst of uncertainty and darkness. As Matthew Henry notes, 'those who wait for God shall not be ashamed, for they shall see His salvation' (Micah 7:7). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Pervasiveness of Sin
Micah's description of the corruption and violence in society (Micah 7:3-6) highlights the deep-seated nature of sin and its effects on human relationships.
The Importance of Trust
The prophet's declaration of trust in God (Micah 7:7) serves as a model for believers to wait for God's deliverance, even in the midst of uncertainty.
The Hope of Restoration
Micah's vision of restoration (Micah 7:8-20) offers a powerful reminder of God's power to redeem and restore His people.