Micah 7
OGCMicah 7:1-6
MICAH LONGS FOR GODLINESS. Micah 7:1-6
RV. Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grape gleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat; my soul desireth the first-ripe fig. The godly 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. Their hands are upon that which is evil to do it diligently; the prince asketh, and the judge is ready for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth the evil desire of his soul; thus they weave it together. The best of them is as a brier; the most upright is worse than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen, even thy visitation, is come; now shall be their perplexity. Trust ye not in a neighbor; put ye not confidence in a friend; keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom. For the son dishonoreth 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. LXX. Alas for me! for I am become as one gathering straw in harvest, and as one gathering grape-gleanings in the vintage, when there is no cluster for me to eat the first-ripe fruit: alas my soul! For the godly is perished from the earth; and there is none among men that orders his way aright: they all quarrel even to blood: they grievously afflict every one his neighbour: they prepare their hands for mischief, the prince asks a reward, and the judge speaks flattering words; it is the desire of their soul: therefore I will take away their goods as a visitation. Woe, woe, thy times of vengeance are come; now shall be their lamentations. Trust not in friends, and confide not in guides; beware of thy wife, so as not to commit anything to her. For the son dishonours his father, the daughter will rise up against her mother, and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law: those in his house shall be all a man’s enemies.
COMMENTS
WOE IS ME. THE GODLY MAN IS PERISHED. Micah 7:1-2(a)
Chapter seven begins with a cry of despair from the lips of the prophet. His soul is hungry for the fellowship of godly men. In this he is disappointed as a man physically hungry who comes first to the vineyard and then the orchard and finds nothing to relieve his hunger. Micah sees beyond the confines of the little kingdoms of Israel and Judah. If there are no godly men among the covenant people, then godliness has perished from the earth! Turning to idolatry, as the world worshipped idolatry, the chosen people had brought about a moral situation similar to that which would prevail if there were no God at all!
The statement, there is none upright. reminds us of David’s affirmation concerning those fools who say there is no God. In Psalms 14:1, David wrote The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works. This is repeated in Psalms 53:1 with the additional statement there is none that doeth good, The fifth and one hundred fortieth Psalms echo this thought and expand it.
In the case of the Psalmist it was the professed atheist who is described in vivid terms as grossly immoral. Micah says that because of the idolatry of the children of Israel the same is now true of the whole world!
In Romans 3:9-18, Paul establishes this ungodliness as the universal state of man outside of Christ. There the apostle uses a catena, or chain of references, to prove that the Jews are in no better fix than Gentiles, for all are under sin.
Micah and Paul seem ready to say as Elijah in his time, I, even I only, am left. (1 Kings 19:10) Their hands are upon that which is evil. Micah 7:2(b) - Micah 7:4(a)
There are, says Micah, not only none who do good, but multitudes that do positive hurt. They all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother. They have a thousand cursed arts of ensnaring men to their ruin. The magistrates, office patrons and protectors of right are the practicers and promoters of wrong. The prince and judge may be hired for bribes to exert all their power to carry out wicked purposes. The great man who has wealth and the power to do good but who desires to do evil does not utter the evil desire of his soul lest his conspiring with the prince and judge become evident.
The best of them is a brier; the most upright is worse than a thorn hedge. They prick and injure all with whom they come in contact. (Cp. 2 Samuel 23:6-7, Isaiah 55:13, Ezekiel 2:6)
THE DAY OF THE WATCHMAN. Micah 7:4(b)
This is the day of the watchman. Just as a policeman comes upon a criminal to arrest him, so the true prophet, God’s watchman, comes upon the false prophet and his corrupt followers. The party is over, the piper must be paid. God’s wrath is at hand.
TRUST YE NOT. Micah 7:5-6
Here follows a list of those whom honest men (if indeed there were any) could not trust. The list includes a neighbor, a friend, her that lieth in thy bosom,* i.e.* one’s own wife, the son, the daughter, the daughter-in-law. Such a society in indeed corrupt. ready for the wrath of God.
Jesus quotes Micah 7:6(b) in connection with those He expected to persecute the new covenant people. (Matthew 10:35-36 cp. Luke 12:53)
Chapter XQuestions
Jehovah’s Controversy With His People
Micah Chapter s six and seven are composed of a series of __________.
Just as the sins of society’s leaders filter down through all classes so __________ are applied to all people.
Jehovah’s first controversy with His people is occasioned by their having forgotten __________.
God’s controversy with His people is before all creation because __________.
How does Micah connect the final section of his book to the first section?
In Micah 6:3-5 the __________ is made. In Micah 6:9 to Micah 7:6, the case will be __________.
The cry of Micah 6:3-5 is the plea of a __________.
Explain Micah’s reference to Balaam. (Micah 6:5)
9.
Why remember from Shittim to Gilgal? (Micah 6:5(b))
Show how Micah 6:1-5 is timely in our day.
What is alluded to by shall I give my first-born for my transgression? (Micah 6:7 (b))
Discuss Micah 6:8 in connection with Matthew 26:16 and Hebrews 2:1-4,
God’s insistence upon faithfulness is not unreasonable when we remember __________ His __________ and __________.
How does Micah answer the question, what doth Jehovah require of thee? (Micah 6:8)
The __________ is the Bible quoted by Jesus and the apostles.
Micah 6:8 does not claim that __________ an attribute of God’s character is required of God’s people.
Rather than compassion, Micah insists that we are required to __________.
Discuss Micah 6:8 in connection with Matthew 23:23.
Why must the outward forms of obedience always be expressive of inner reality?
Compare Micah 6:9 and Proverbs 9:10.
What is the significance of shall I be pure? Micah 6:10-12
The persistent fact of __________ is a prime factor in Micah’s message.
Compare Micah 6:14 and Job 20:15.
What is meant by Micah 6:15?
What are the statutes of Omri? Micah 6:15(a)
Compare Micah 6:16(b) and Micah 3:12.
Discuss the historic phenomena known as anti-semitism in light of Micah 6:16.
Compare Micah 7:1-2(a) and Psalms 14:1-2.
Discuss Micah 7:1-2 in light of Romans 3:9-18.
Micah 7:2(b) - Micah 7:4(a) refers to __________.
Compare Micah 7:2(b) - Micah 7:4(a) with 2 Samuel 23:6-7, Isaiah 55:13, and Ezekiel 2:6.
Who are listed as those whom honest men cannot trust? (Micah 7:5-6)
Discuss Micah 7:5-6 in connection with Matthew 10:35-36 and Luke 12:53.
Discuss Micah 7:7 in connection with Joshua 24:14-15.
Despite the wickedness of his time, Micah is unshaken in the conviction that __________.
Discuss Micah 7:8-10 in light of Romans 8:31-39.
Compare Micah 7:9 to Psalms 22:1-24 and Romans 7:24 to Romans 8:1.
What is meant by a day for rebuilding thy walls? (Micah 7:11-13)
If one requires proof of Micah’s highest motives in writing his prophecies, his prayer for __________ provides it amply.
The nations shall see what and be ashamed?
Micah 7:7-13
THE PROPHET LOOKS TO GOD. Micah 7:7-13
RV. But as for me, I will look unto Jehovah; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, Jehovah will be a light unto me. I will bear the indignation of Jehovah, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgement for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness. Then mine enemy shall see it and shame shall cover her who said unto me, Where is Jehovah thy God? Mine eyes shall see my desire upon her; now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets. A day for building thy walls! in that day shall the decree be far removed. In that day shall they come unto thee from Assyria and the cities of Egypt, and from Egypt even to the River, and from sea to sea, and from mountain to mountain. Yet shall the land be desolate because of them that dwell therein, for the fruit of their doings. LXX. But I will look to the Lord; I will wait upon God my Saviour: my God will hearken to me. Rejoice not against me, mine enemy; for I have fallen yet shall arise; for though I should sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light to me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he make good my cause: he also shall maintain my right, and shall bring me out to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness. And she that is mine enemy shall see it, and shall clothe herself with shame, who says Where is the Lord thy God? mine eyes shall look upon her: now shall she be for trampling as mire in the ways. It is the day of making of brick; that day shall be thine utter destruction, and that day shall utterly abolish thine ordinances. And thy cities shall be levelled, and parted among the Assyrians; and thy strong cities shall be parted from Tyre to the river, and from sea to sea, and from mountain to mountain. And the land shall be utterly desolate together with them that inhabit it, because of the fruit of their doings.
COMMENTS
(Micah 7:7) From the stench of social injustice and personal immorality brought on by false worship, Micah lifts his eyes to God. Like Joshua, when he was confronted with the people’s attraction to false gods, (Joshua 24:14-15) so the prophet in the face of popular apostacy takes his stand on the side of the Lord.
Not only will he look to the Lord, he will wait for the God of my salvation.
Here is a timely lesson for anyone who would serve God. Whether it be Elijah, despairing in loneliness because of the unfaithfulness of God’s people, or Joshua standing like an oak, alone if necessary but steadfast, or Micah declaring his trust to a faithless generation, he who would serve God faithfully must be able to differentiate between God Who is faithful and His people who too often are not. Micah is unshaken in his conviction that my God will hear me!
REJOICE NOT AGAINST ME. Micah 7:8-10
Truth is ever in the minority. Error is ever on the throne. and with this unnatural imbalance the wicked always boast and scoff and rejoice in the discomfort of God’s people. But their joy is as hollow as it is destined to be short-lived. Though enemies triumph and insult, they shall be silenced and put to shame.
Here is another eternal truth, spoken first in the Old Testament and re-affirmed in the New. Romans 8:31-39 asks and answers the same question. If God is for us, who can be against us?. in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us!
The enemies of God’s faithful may rejoice for a season in God’s chastening of His people, but their joy is to be brief. Micah sees his own plight, as does every true worshipper see such circumstances as a result of sin. Micah confesses himself a sinner (Micah 7:9) and stands ready to bear the indignation. of Jehovah. This is a common attitude among spiritual giants. David, in his great guilt, felt abandoned by God, yet he knew God had heard and would deliver him. (Psalms 22 compare Psalms 22:1 and Psalms 22:24.)
Paul cried out in recognition of his own sin, wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me out of the body of this death and immediately rejoiced in the answer there is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 7:24 to Romans 8:1)
A DAY FOR BUILDING THY WALLS. Micah 7:11-13
Having stated his trust in God, accepted his discomfiture as the just result of his own sin, and rejoiced in the sure hope of deliverance, Micah now transfers this entire process to the people. Beyond the anticipated exile the prophet sees the decree for deliverance and the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. (Cp. Amos 9:11 and Zechariah 12:6)
… FROM ASSYRIA. EGYPT. TO THE RIVER. ESA TO SEA. Micah 7:12
In the day of the rebuilding of Jerusalem, following the fall of Babylon, the Jews now to be scattered shall return from throughout the surrounding nations.
THE LAND. DESOLATE. Micah 7:13
The returning exiles will not find, as did their forefathers, a land flowing with milk and honey. Rather the land will be desolate, the temple, the walls of the cities in ruins. They must recognize this as the fruit of their doings. The history of the rebuilding of their lands by the returned remnant is one of the most thrilling Chapter s in the history of this stiff-necked people. (It is recommended that the reader interrupt the study of Micah here long enough to re-read Ezra and Nehemiah.)
Chapter XQuestions
Jehovah’s Controversy With His People
Micah Chapter s six and seven are composed of a series of __________.
Just as the sins of society’s leaders filter down through all classes so __________ are applied to all people.
Jehovah’s first controversy with His people is occasioned by their having forgotten __________.
God’s controversy with His people is before all creation because __________.
How does Micah connect the final section of his book to the first section?
In Micah 6:3-5 the __________ is made. In Micah 6:9 to Micah 7:6, the case will be __________.
The cry of Micah 6:3-5 is the plea of a __________.
Explain Micah’s reference to Balaam. (Micah 6:5)
9.
Why remember from Shittim to Gilgal? (Micah 6:5(b))
Show how Micah 6:1-5 is timely in our day.
What is alluded to by shall I give my first-born for my transgression? (Micah 6:7 (b))
Discuss Micah 6:8 in connection with Matthew 26:16 and Hebrews 2:1-4,
God’s insistence upon faithfulness is not unreasonable when we remember __________ His __________ and __________.
How does Micah answer the question, what doth Jehovah require of thee? (Micah 6:8)
The __________ is the Bible quoted by Jesus and the apostles.
Micah 6:8 does not claim that __________ an attribute of God’s character is required of God’s people.
Rather than compassion, Micah insists that we are required to __________.
Discuss Micah 6:8 in connection with Matthew 23:23.
Why must the outward forms of obedience always be expressive of inner reality?
Compare Micah 6:9 and Proverbs 9:10.
What is the significance of shall I be pure? Micah 6:10-12
The persistent fact of __________ is a prime factor in Micah’s message.
Compare Micah 6:14 and Job 20:15.
What is meant by Micah 6:15?
What are the statutes of Omri? Micah 6:15(a)
Compare Micah 6:16(b) and Micah 3:12.
Discuss the historic phenomena known as anti-semitism in light of Micah 6:16.
Compare Micah 7:1-2(a) and Psalms 14:1-2.
Discuss Micah 7:1-2 in light of Romans 3:9-18.
Micah 7:2(b) - Micah 7:4(a) refers to __________.
Compare Micah 7:2(b) - Micah 7:4(a) with 2 Samuel 23:6-7, Isaiah 55:13, and Ezekiel 2:6.
Who are listed as those whom honest men cannot trust? (Micah 7:5-6)
Discuss Micah 7:5-6 in connection with Matthew 10:35-36 and Luke 12:53.
Discuss Micah 7:7 in connection with Joshua 24:14-15.
Despite the wickedness of his time, Micah is unshaken in the conviction that __________.
Discuss Micah 7:8-10 in light of Romans 8:31-39.
Compare Micah 7:9 to Psalms 22:1-24 and Romans 7:24 to Romans 8:1.
What is meant by a day for rebuilding thy walls? (Micah 7:11-13)
If one requires proof of Micah’s highest motives in writing his prophecies, his prayer for __________ provides it amply.
The nations shall see what and be ashamed?
Micah 7:14-17
THE PROPHET PRAYS FOR HIS PEOPLE. Micah 7:14-17
RV. Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thy heritage, which dwell solitarily, in the forest in the midst of Carmel: let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old. As in the days of thy coming forth out of the land of Egypt will I show unto them marvellous things. The nations shall see and be ashamed of all their might; they shall lay their hand upon their mouth; their ears shall be deaf. They shall lick the dust like a serpent; like crawling things of the earth they shall come trembling out of their close places; they shall come with fear unto Jehovah our God, and shall be afraid because of thee.
LXX. Tend thy people with thy rod, the sheep of thine inheritance, those that inhabit by themselves the thicket in the midst of Carmel: they shall feed in the land of Basan, and in the land of Galaad, as in the days of old. And according to the days of thy departure out of Egypt shall ye see marvellous things. The nations shall see and be ashamed; and at all their might they shall lay their hands upon their mouth, their ears shall be deafened. They shall lick the dust as serpents crawling on the earth, they shall be confounded in their holes; they shall be amazed at the Lord our God, and will be afraid of thee.
COMMENTS
If one requires proof of Micah’s highest motives in writing the scathing denunciations against his people which make up the greater part of this book, his prayer for the returning remnant certainly provides it amply.
CARMEL. BASHAN. GILEAD. THE DAYS OF THEIR COMING FORTH OUT OF EGYPT. Micah 7:14-15
When Joshua and Caleb returned to Moses after having spied out the promised land, they reported it was a land flowing with milk and honey. Micah’s prayer is it shall be that way again when the people return. One can stand today among the lush forests in the plain of Megiddo at the foot of Mount Carmel and marvel at the beauty of the land as it has recently been reclaimed by today’s returnees from exile. They found the region a miserable swamp and turned it into a garden. So does the prophet pray that God’s people after Babylon shall reclaim their land. Bashan was famous for its cattle, Gilead for its healing balm. Micah asks God on behalf of the remnant that it may be so again.
THE NATIONS SHALL SEE AND BE ASHAMED. Micah 7:16-17
This prediction concerning the neighbors of Israel is easily seen demonstrated both in ancient and modern times. Just as those who returned from Babylon set about to rebuild, so the modern Israeli loves his land. Hillsides once eroded through neglect and poor husbandry are covered with verdant vegetation. What was formerly barren wilderness now is home for the unique farming communes of Israel.
The nations who mistreated this land, both in ancient and modern times have ample reason to be ashamed. (Micah 7:16)
Chapter XQuestions
Jehovah’s Controversy With His People
Micah Chapter s six and seven are composed of a series of __________.
Just as the sins of society’s leaders filter down through all classes so __________ are applied to all people.
Jehovah’s first controversy with His people is occasioned by their having forgotten __________.
God’s controversy with His people is before all creation because __________.
How does Micah connect the final section of his book to the first section?
In Micah 6:3-5 the __________ is made. In Micah 6:9 to Micah 7:6, the case will be __________.
The cry of Micah 6:3-5 is the plea of a __________.
Explain Micah’s reference to Balaam. (Micah 6:5)
9.
Why remember from Shittim to Gilgal? (Micah 6:5(b))
Show how Micah 6:1-5 is timely in our day.
What is alluded to by shall I give my first-born for my transgression? (Micah 6:7 (b))
Discuss Micah 6:8 in connection with Matthew 26:16 and Hebrews 2:1-4,
God’s insistence upon faithfulness is not unreasonable when we remember __________ His __________ and __________.
How does Micah answer the question, what doth Jehovah require of thee? (Micah 6:8)
The __________ is the Bible quoted by Jesus and the apostles.
Micah 6:8 does not claim that __________ an attribute of God’s character is required of God’s people.
Rather than compassion, Micah insists that we are required to __________.
Discuss Micah 6:8 in connection with Matthew 23:23.
Why must the outward forms of obedience always be expressive of inner reality?
Compare Micah 6:9 and Proverbs 9:10.
What is the significance of shall I be pure? Micah 6:10-12
The persistent fact of __________ is a prime factor in Micah’s message.
Compare Micah 6:14 and Job 20:15.
What is meant by Micah 6:15?
What are the statutes of Omri? Micah 6:15(a)
Compare Micah 6:16(b) and Micah 3:12.
Discuss the historic phenomena known as anti-semitism in light of Micah 6:16.
Compare Micah 7:1-2(a) and Psalms 14:1-2.
Discuss Micah 7:1-2 in light of Romans 3:9-18.
Micah 7:2(b) - Micah 7:4(a) refers to __________.
Compare Micah 7:2(b) - Micah 7:4(a) with 2 Samuel 23:6-7, Isaiah 55:13, and Ezekiel 2:6.
Who are listed as those whom honest men cannot trust? (Micah 7:5-6)
Discuss Micah 7:5-6 in connection with Matthew 10:35-36 and Luke 12:53.
Discuss Micah 7:7 in connection with Joshua 24:14-15.
Despite the wickedness of his time, Micah is unshaken in the conviction that __________.
Discuss Micah 7:8-10 in light of Romans 8:31-39.
Compare Micah 7:9 to Psalms 22:1-24 and Romans 7:24 to Romans 8:1.
What is meant by a day for rebuilding thy walls? (Micah 7:11-13)
If one requires proof of Micah’s highest motives in writing his prophecies, his prayer for __________ provides it amply.
The nations shall see what and be ashamed?
Micah 7:18-20
PRAYER OF PROPHETIC PRAISE. Micah 7:18-20
RV. Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth over the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in lovingkindness. He will again have compassion upon us; he will tread our iniquities under foot; and thou wilt cast all their, sins into the depths of the sea. Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the lovingkindness to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old. LXX. Who is a God like thee, cancelling iniquities, and passing over the sins of the remnant of his inheritance? and he has not kept his anger for a testimony, for he delights in mercy. He will return and have mercy upon us; he will sink our iniquities, and they shall be cast into the depths of the sea, even all our sins. He shall give blessings truly to Jacob, and mercy to Abraham, as thou swarest to our fathers, according to the former days.
COMMENTS
Micah is overwhelmed by the knowledge that, though He must now punish His people for their utter faithlessness, He will not only deliver a remnant, but will bless their lands and humiliate their enemies. Jehovah is praised for His great glory, His readiness to forgive and His faithfulness to the ancient promises of the covenant. Although He is just and does punish, He delighteth in lovingkindness. No one who knows Micah’s God can possibly see any contrast between Him and the God of Love revealed in the New Testament.
Chapter XQuestions
Jehovah’s Controversy With His People
Micah Chapter s six and seven are composed of a series of __________.
Just as the sins of society’s leaders filter down through all classes so __________ are applied to all people.
Jehovah’s first controversy with His people is occasioned by their having forgotten __________.
God’s controversy with His people is before all creation because __________.
How does Micah connect the final section of his book to the first section?
In Micah 6:3-5 the __________ is made. In Micah 6:9 to Micah 7:6, the case will be __________.
The cry of Micah 6:3-5 is the plea of a __________.
Explain Micah’s reference to Balaam. (Micah 6:5)
9.
Why remember from Shittim to Gilgal? (Micah 6:5(b))
Show how Micah 6:1-5 is timely in our day.
What is alluded to by shall I give my first-born for my transgression? (Micah 6:7 (b))
Discuss Micah 6:8 in connection with Matthew 26:16 and Hebrews 2:1-4,
God’s insistence upon faithfulness is not unreasonable when we remember __________ His __________ and __________.
How does Micah answer the question, what doth Jehovah require of thee? (Micah 6:8)
The __________ is the Bible quoted by Jesus and the apostles.
Micah 6:8 does not claim that __________ an attribute of God’s character is required of God’s people.
Rather than compassion, Micah insists that we are required to __________.
Discuss Micah 6:8 in connection with Matthew 23:23.
Why must the outward forms of obedience always be expressive of inner reality?
Compare Micah 6:9 and Proverbs 9:10.
What is the significance of shall I be pure? Micah 6:10-12
The persistent fact of __________ is a prime factor in Micah’s message.
Compare Micah 6:14 and Job 20:15.
What is meant by Micah 6:15?
What are the statutes of Omri? Micah 6:15(a)
Compare Micah 6:16(b) and Micah 3:12.
Discuss the historic phenomena known as anti-semitism in light of Micah 6:16.
Compare Micah 7:1-2(a) and Psalms 14:1-2.
Discuss Micah 7:1-2 in light of Romans 3:9-18.
Micah 7:2(b) - Micah 7:4(a) refers to __________.
Compare Micah 7:2(b) - Micah 7:4(a) with 2 Samuel 23:6-7, Isaiah 55:13, and Ezekiel 2:6.
Who are listed as those whom honest men cannot trust? (Micah 7:5-6)
Discuss Micah 7:5-6 in connection with Matthew 10:35-36 and Luke 12:53.
Discuss Micah 7:7 in connection with Joshua 24:14-15.
Despite the wickedness of his time, Micah is unshaken in the conviction that __________.
Discuss Micah 7:8-10 in light of Romans 8:31-39.
Compare Micah 7:9 to Psalms 22:1-24 and Romans 7:24 to Romans 8:1.
What is meant by a day for rebuilding thy walls? (Micah 7:11-13)
If one requires proof of Micah’s highest motives in writing his prophecies, his prayer for __________ provides it amply.
The nations shall see what and be ashamed?