030. VI. The Psalm Of Penitent Israel (7:7-20)

VI THE PSALM OF PENITENT ISRAEL (Micah 7:7-20) In after years, when the blow that Micah predicted had fallen, when Judah had been taken away to bitter captivity, she recognized that she had suffered for her sins. Then, in deep contrition, she utters these words of penitence and hope.

Israel’s confession and hope (Micah 7:7-10) [I will humbly seek Jehovah, who is my true deliverer. He will surely hearken to my truly penitent prayer. Although my oppressor exults over my destruction as if final, and I seem to be in the darkness of despair, still Jehovah will bring me to the light; he will manifest again his righteousness by delivering me. Then shall my enemy, who scoffs at Jehovah’s power, receive his true deserts. The prophet’s assurance (Micah 7:11-13). On that day of pardon and deliverance, thy ruined walls shall be restored, and thy border broadened.^[37] From every quarter of the earth people shall flock to Judea, for their lands shall be made desolate in the day of retribution.

[37] The Hebrew is a play, “yirhaq hoq.” A prayer for restoration to Judah (Micah 7:14-17). O Jehovah, let our prayer come unto thee. Be again our tender shepherd. Let us feed in the rich pastures of Bashan and Gilead, and in the forests of Carmel. Make once more a signal deliverance of thy people from oppression, so that all the nations, humbled and terror-stricken, shall bow in reverence before thy power. A hymn of praise (Micah 7:18-20). What nation worships such a God as thou art, O Jehovah, who punishes in order to redeem and forgive, who takes delight in doing good to men. Our sins thou dost utterly remove from sight Thou dost fulfil in truth all those promises which thou gavest to our fathers; for thy faithfulness and thy mercy never fail.]