Micah 7

The church complains of her small number, and the general corruption of great and small ones, for which God’s judgement is at hand verse 1, she gives warning not to confide in men and put her confidence in God, 5 she triumpheth by faith over her enemies, and God comforteth his future work of grace by the Messia, their shepherd through Canaan should lie waste, 11. whereupon the church doth cheerfully speak to Christ, 14. God promiseth to shew her wonderfull things, 15. she prophesies of the confusion of the enemies of the Gospel, 16. she stands in admiration of the grace of God, and waits in faith for the coming of Christ, 18.

1. Ay me! [this is the lamentation of the prophet, in the church her name, for the general corruption of the people] for I am, [or, that I am, &c] as when the sum or fruits are gathered in, as when the gleanings in the vintage are past: [Heb. As the in-gatherings of the summer fruits, or of the summer and as the in gleamings of the vintage. i.e it is with me as with the passenger, or way faring man, which after the fruit and vintage time, findes no where ought to refresh himself withal in his travel, which proves very irkfom to him; so implies the prophet, or the church, here doth it afflict and grieve exceedingly, that o can see and perceive so little of any goodness among the people as if further explained in the sequel. Compare herewith Deuteronomy 32:32 Psalms 12:1, 2 and 14.2,3 Isa. 24.33. Jeremiah 5:1. Ezekiel 22:30. Hosea 11:7, c.] there is no grape for to eat, [or bunch (of grapes) as Numb. 13.23, 24.] my soul desireth early-ripe fruit (those) my soul desireth. [i.e. such as is very gratefull, which are much longed for, and give great content, where they may be bad. See Isaiah 28:4. Jer.24.2. hosea 9.10. with annotate.]

2. The kind (one) [compare Psalms 12:2. Isaiah 57:1. with the annotate there] is perished out of the land; [oth. From the earth] and there is none upright [Heb. Right or straight. See Psalms 7 on verse 11. the same word occurs also below verse 4] among men: they lurk all for blood; [Heb. Bloods, in the plural. i.e. killing and murdering. See Gen. 4 on verse 18 and chapter 37 on verse 26.] they hunt every one his brother with a hunting yarn: [for to get him into their net by all manner of practices, that they may take and swallow him up like a prey compare Psalms 10:8, 9, 10 and Ezekiel 19:3, 6, &c.]

3. With both hands to do evil most readily; so the prince requireth, [to wit, gifts and presents. Compare Hosea 4:18] and the judge (judgeth) for recompese: [i.e. bribes. Oth. Read from the beginning of the verse thus. The hands are for evil to do good, i.e. to further the cause of any: the prince requireth, (to wit, presents) and the judge (to wit requireth) recompese: or thus, for to do good the hands are for to do evil &c or: for evil the hands are very valiant &c, or that hath hands may do evil, or both hands (are about or busied) to do evil, or readily, to purpose, masterlike, castily i.e. to do hurt and wrong. They endeavour and strive all they can, all their minde is set and bent to it: of the Heb, adverb here used, see Jer. 44.] and the great (one) [see 2 Kings 25:9] he speaketh the destruction f his soul, [that is, he scruples not, nor ashamed to speak of and utter forth, what mischief hurt and wrong he intends to others: or that whereby he doth bring his soul into utter destruction: or whatsoever he hath but a mind or desire, the same he dareth to prosese in words and act in deed, be it never so base or unjust. See Psalms 27:12. and compare above chap.2.] and they twist it close together. [viz. their basenesse and villanies; even as divers small cords, or ropes, are with great force wound and twisted together to make great ones, as cables, or cart-ropes, so do they draw and twist all their practices close together, combining themselves and conspiring together, by mutual strength and support the better to compasee and accomplish their wicked plots and designes. Compare Ecclesiastes 4:12. Psalms 129:4. Isaiah 5:18.]

4. The best of them [He among then, whom one might account the least guilt] is like a thorn, [see Ezekiel 2:6] the most upright, is sharper then a hedge of thorns: [compare Proverbs 15:19.] the day [i.e. appointed time. See Joel 1:15.] of watchmen, [i.e. prophets understand that day, which the prophets (sent to thee from God) have forefold thee. See Ezek. 3 on verse 17] thy visitation, [or, of thy visitation, understand, that day of thy visitation, i.e. punishment. See Genesis 21:1] is come; [i.e. shall surely come, the time is near hand, wherein God shall visit you] new [very soon, suddenly. See Hos. chapter 10 on verse 3] shall their p[those foresaid wicked wretches their confusion be; [even as they brought in all manner of confusion and twisted all manner of wicked practices together, so shall they now themselves be enthralled and entangled with utter confusion and desolation, insomuch that for distress they shall not know which way to turn themselves, what to do or leave undone. Compare 2 chro. 26 Jer. chapter 39. Ezek. chapter 4.3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11.]

5. Do not believe (or trust) a friend; [all truth and faith is gone, doth the prophet imply. Compare Jeremiah 9:4, 5. some take this and that which follows, as a wholesome advice, which the prophet gives to the godly, of what they are to avoid and eshew] confide not in a principal friend: [or guide, leader, him should advice and effect you in all things. See Psalms 55:14. Proverbs 16:28 and 17.0 with the annotate] keep the door of the mouth [that thou discover not the secrets of thy heart, for to be deceived or betrayed] from her that lieth [or sheepeth, lieth asleep, as lying down is taken for sleeping and afterwards for dying also, or falling asleep. See Deut. 31 on verse 16.] in thy bosom: [meaning the wife. Compare Deuteronomy 13:6 and see the annotate. There. Hebr. The lying or lyer-down (fem) of thy bosom.]

6. For the son despiceth the father, [or, dishoureth, little-esteems, meanly values &c.] the daughter riseth up against her mother, tha daughter in law, against her mother in law, a man’s enemies [this place our saviour made use of, though to another intent] are his household [Heb. Men or people, folks, of his house. Ie.e those of his own family, are unfaithfull to, deceive and betray him.

7. But p[Or, herefore] I will look out after the LORD, [or, keep watch. Compare Psalms 5:4. with the annotate. This the prophet speaketh in the name of the church or the church herself is brought in here, cheering up and encouraging her self by faith in God’s mercy and promises] I will wait [or hope] in the God of salvation. My god will hear me.

8. Rjoyce not over me, [for being now in trouble and affliction] o my enemy; [in the feminine. i.e thou congregation of the wicked, my persecutresee: the church compares herself to a woman, and so she doth likewise her enemies] when I am fallen, [viz. into miserie and adversitie. See Prov. 24. on verse 16] I shall rise up again: [or, I stand Heb. Properly, I am risen again, i.e. I shall rise again assuredly; to wit, out of my misery and trouble] when I shall have sat in darkness, [see Gen. 15 on verse verse 12] the LORD shall be a light unto me. [or, when I sit &c, the LORD is a light unto me. See Psalms 27 on verse 1.]

9. I will bear [viz. with a penitent and patient heart, at the sequel shewes] the indignation of the LORD: [i.e. the plagues and chastisements proceeding from his indignation. Compare Ezek. 7 on verse 3.] for I have sinned against him, until he plead my plea, and execute my right; [i.e. make my light plainly to appear which I have and maintain, not in God’s regard (before whom I do aknowledge my self guiltie) but against my enemies and prosecutors. See Psalms 35. on verse 1] he shall bring me forth to the light, [or, produce, advance me, bring me out of the darkness before mentioned, verse 8] I shall see (my delight) [this is inserted here to compleat the sense of the Heb. Phrase. See Psalms. 22 on verse 18 and so in the next verse] in his righteousnesse. [oth. I shall behold his righteousnesse. Whereby he shall right me against my adversary, delivering me, and punishing her: or, his salvation, which according to his promises, he shall sheew unto me. Compare above verse with the annotate.]

10. And my enemie, she see it, and shame shall cover her; [oth. Thou (o LORD) shalt look upon mine enemy, to wit, with an angry countenance, and cover her (with) shame] that saith to me, where is the LORD thy God? Mine eyes shall see on her: [to wit, my desire, my expectations, Gods. Righteous vengeance. See Psalms 54.9. with the annotate] now [i.e. very shortly ere long, as above chapter 4.10 and 5.4.] she shall become a trampling, as mire in the street. [i.e. be reduced to extremity of shame and reproach. See Job 30:19. Isaiah 41:25. Psalms 40:3 with the annotate also 2 Sam. 22.43 and Pslams 18.43.]

11. At that day when he shall rebuke thy [this is a speech addrest to the church of Christ] walls; [understand hedge-walls; of the Heb. Word see Psalms 62 on verse 4. this is an Evangelical promise of the restoring ad gathering again of the church in time of the New Testament by the Messia. Comp. Amos 6:11 & above chapter 1.2, 3 and chap 5.3, 4, 5] at that day the deerce shall go far away. [or, the institution, ordinance, viz of God touching his onely begotten son, the Messia, i.e. the gospel shall be spread far abroad. Compare Psalms 2:7, &c and see hereof the declaration here below verse 14, &c. oth. The tax: or tribute or command, charge (the eniemies tyrannie and imposition) shall be far removed (from thee) the Hebr. Word used here and Psalms 7:7 of the Evangelical decree of Grace, is made use of Ezekiel 20:25. about the devine decrees or determinations of his punishments and judgements. See there]

12. at that day shall it [viz, the aforesaid decree] also come unto thee, [Or, one shall come unto thee; understanding the same of the concourse of nations unto the church of God. Compare Isaiah 19:23, 24, &c. oth. He to wit, the Messia shall come unto thee &c] from Assur [lying northward frm Canaan] even (unto) the fenced cities. [namely of Egypt, klying southward, being very strong, as by their natural situation abounding with waters, so also by art and industrie of men. Heb. Cities of strength. The word Mazor it self here used, hath some resemblance with Mizraim, i.e Egypt. Comp. Isa. 19. the annotate on verse 6] and from the strong holds [Heb. Strong hold or firmness, fortress] unto the river; [Euphrates] and from sea unto sea, and from mountain unto mountain. [Heb. (unto) sea and from sea, i.e. from the one sea to the other, and from the one mountain to the other; from the north the south, from the east to the west, Canaan had mountains North, East, and South. The dead sea was in the East, the midland sea in the west; by which situation and description of Canaan borders the spreading forth of the Gospel throughout all the world and the uniting of Jews and Gentiles in Christ, is typified.]

13. But this land shall become a desolation, [or, after that, or when this land shall be come &c. or however, nevertheless this land, understand the land of Canaan shall &c. this happened first, I the time of the Babylonian devastation, and afterwards in the time of the New Testament and continueth so to this very day. Compare Daniel 9:26, 27, &c] because of [or, with] inhabitants thereof for the fruits sake of their dealings. [i.e. the desert, or deservings, demerits thereof. See Proverbs 1:31.]

14. Thou (then) feed [here the church, cherished in the spirit, speaketh to the Messia, the chief shepherd of the church of Jesus, as if she saw him feeding his flock and performing his personal office. Compare above chapter 5.4. this serves for an explanation and coherence of verse 11 and 12] thy people, [i.e. thy church, scattered all abroad upon the earth, and hated by the children of this world] with thy staff, [i.e. thy word and spirit. Compare Psalms 23:4] the stock [of sheep, whereunto the faithful are here and frequently elsewhere compared] of thine inheritance [see Deuteronomy 32:9 with the annotate.] that dwelleth alone, [as separated people of God, not intermixed with the rest of the world, with sects and hereticks, (for which reason also they are often persecuted and driven into solitudes) and yet living in safetie and confidence against all enemies and Hell-gates, under the protection of their shepherd. See Num.23.9. Deuteronomy 33:28. Job 15:19. 1 Peter 2:9. 1 John 5:19 and compare the phrase with Jeremiah 49:31.] in the wood, in the midst of a fruitful land: [Heb. Carmel. See Jeremiah 2:7. with the annotate.] let them feed in Basan and Gilead, [abounding with excellent pastures. See of Basan Deut. 22 on verse 14 and Psalms 22 on verse 13. Jer. 50 on verse 19 and of Gilead, Genesis 31:21. Jeremiah 22:6 with the annotate] as in the days of old.

15. I shall make her [to wit, my flock, i.e. church, spoken of in the former verse. This is the answer of Jesus Christ upon the foregoing addresse of the church] see wonders; as in the day, when thou [o Israel] wentest forth out of the land of Egypt.

16. The heathen [O nations] shall see it, and be ashamed; [i.e. the enemies of the church shall be fain to behold the glory of the kingdom of Christ, or of his church. Some understand this of the Elect among the heathen, who shall come on to the communion of the church, with shame for and the confession of their sins, by comparing this place with Hosea 3:5 and 11.10, 11 as also Isaiah 4:5.14] for all their mights sake; [i.e. because that all their rage and fury against God’s work and church proved bootlesse: or (as some) because of the spiritual might, which God shall afford and lend unto his church by the preaching of the gospel. See 2 Cor. 10.4, 5, 6. and compare above verse 5, 8, &c. Psalms 149:6, 7, 8, 9 with the annotate] they shall lay the hand upon the mouth; [not being able, nor daring, to gainsay. See Jud. 18 on verse 19 and Job 21 on verse 5.] their ears shall be deaf [with that they must hear and are not able to endure, or as some, the things which they shall hear shall be so strange, great and wonderful, that their ears shall be in a manner made deaf with a relations of and astonishments at it.]

17. They shall lick the dust, [in token of their extreme fear and deepest submission, their pride and haughtiness being brought down now to the very ground as the manner was in the east-countries, to bow one self down to the ground, to shew subjection and awefulness. See Psalms 72 on verse 9 with the annotate and compare Isaiah 49:23. where the like is said of the converted heathen] as the serpent; as creeping creatures of the earth, [or serpents, worns of the earth &c. see Deuteronomy 32:24. with the annotate] shall they stir themselves out of their castles: [with commotion, fearing still, trembling and creeping forth upon their bellies as it were out of their castles, or senses and strongholds. Compare 2 Sam. 22.46. Psalms 8.46. with the annotate like as serpents or other creeping creatures, come creeping forth out of their holes] they shall come with fear [Heb. They shall be afraid or, fear to come &c as Hos.3.5. seet here and compare Hosea 11:10, 11. oth. They shall fear (or) be afraid before &c.] to the LORD our God, and shall fear before thee: [understand (changing the person, as elsewhere) God himself the Messia, whom the prophet speaks unto here with lifting up of his heart and admiration; as in the sequel or the church, being graced with the glory and might of her head. Compare Isa.19.17, 17 with the annotate.

18. Wo is a God like unto thee, that forgiveth or, taketh away] iniquity, [see Psalms 25 on verse 18] and passeth by [i.e. winketh at, impureth not, regardeth not according to his justice or in wrath. Compare 2 Sam. 12.13 with the annotate] the transgression of the remnant his inheritance? [i.e. of his elect, faithful, or church. See above verse 14] he keepeth not his wrath for ever, [compare Jeremiah 3:5, 12. and see the contrary, in regard of God’s and his churches enemies. Nahum 1:1] for [or, but] he delighteth in mercy.

19. he will pitty us again; [Heb. He will return, he will pitty us. Compare Psalms 71:20 and 85.7 with the annotate. Again Num. 11 on verse 4. Psalms 45 on verse 5.] he suppressed [or, subdue, subject] our iniquities: [so that they shall not be able to get up, or rise up against us in judgement and consequently shall he take away the dominion and tyrannie of sin (under which we had been sold as slaves or bondmen) and sanctifie and renew us, here initially and hereafter perfectly: unto which last favour some do apply this wholly. See Isaiah 50:1. Romans 6:7.] yea thou wilt cast all their [elect and faithful, their] sins into the depths of the sea: [a very elegant and comfortable similitude, signifying, that our sins shall not be looked upon by God, but shall be put in everlasting oblivion, covered unregarded and sunk away for ever. Compare Psalms 103:12. Isa.43.25. Jeremiah 31:34.27. &c.]

20. Thou shall give [Or deliver. i.e. make good, actually show forth and perform] Jacob the faithfulness, Abraham the mercy; [i.e both these to the posterity of Jacob and Abraham. See Romans 9:6, 7, 8 or the faithfulness of Abraham. i.e. the same which thou didst promise them. Compare Jer. 2 on verse 5.2 and understand hereby the Messia the Mediator of the convenant of grace and together with him, all things. Compare Luke 1:68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73. Romans 8:22. A most excellent conclusion of this prophecie, full of faith and expectation of the Messia] which thou hast sworn to out fathers from the days of old. [Or, age that is a long time ago.]