Read Micah 7:8–20
Questions from the Scripture text: What does Micah/Israel tell whom not to do (Micah 7:8a)? Why not (verse 8b–d)? What will he bear (Micah 7:9a)? Why (verse 9b)? Until the Lord does what three things (verse 9c–e)? With what result (verse 9f)? Then what will happen to their enemy (Micah 7:10a–b)? What had she said (verse 10c)? But what will Israel now see (verse 10d–f)? What day will soon come (Micah 7:11a)? Who will be summoned from where (Micah 7:11-12)? But what else will happen (Micah 7:13)? What does Israel now pray that YHWH would do (Micah 7:14a)? What do they call themselves to appeal to Him (verse 14b)? What is their current condition (verse 14c–d)? To what condition do they pray to return (verse 14e–f)? What does the Lord answer that He will do (Micah 7:15)? Like when? What will happen to whom (Micah 7:16-17)? How does Micah respond (Micah 7:18a)? What does he find so great about God (verse 18b–e)? What is he confident about, based upon this aspect of God’s character (Micah 7:19)? For whose sake will He do this (Micah 7:20a–b)? Why (verse 20c–d)?
What is Micah about? Micah 7:8–20 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these thirteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, Micah is about the praise of our incomparable, compassionate God.
Micah now addresses the enemy (Micah 7:8-10), the remnant (Micah 7:11-13), and the Lord in both prayer (Micah 7:14-17) and praise (Micah 7:18-20).
Micah addresses the enemy, who has gloated over Judah’s troubles. They don’t understand that the Lord chastens (Micah 7:9a–b) those whom He loves, defends (verse 9c–d), and guides (Micah 7:8d, Micah 7:9e) into His own blessedness (verse 9f). So, even when His people are under His chastening, this is very bad news for the enemies (Micah 7:19).
Micah addresses the remnant. They will be rebuilt (Micah 7:11a), and they will be gathered (verse 11b). From among the nations, there will be those who are gathered with the remnant as God’s people (Micah 7:12), and then the rest of the nations, who will continue under judgment (Micah 7:13). God’s people should be confident about the future of the church.
Micah addresses the Lord in prayer. Micah 7:16-17 appear as statements in our English version, but they can just as easily read as requests/desires in the Hebrew. What we have is a prayer for the remnant that the Lord would shepherd them from the mountains down into the lush fields of Gilead (Micah 7:14), with an interjection from the Lord answering that prayer (Micah 7:15); then, a prayer for the defeat of the enemy (Micah 7:16-17).
Micah addresses the Lord in praise. His name means, “Who is like YHWH?” And this is the question with which he praises Him in Micah 7:18a. The story of Micah might have seemed to be the sin and punishment of God’s people, but it really has been about their pardoning (verse 18b), forgiving (verse 18c), reconciling (verse 18d) God, Who not only has covenant love but delights in it (verse 18e). His character ensures that their sins will be forgiven (Micah 7:19c–d) and eliminated (verse 19b) in His compassion. He will be Himself to them (Micah 7:20a–b) and keep His promises to them (verse 20c–d). How marvelous is our God!
What can you be sure of about your own troubles, sanctification, and end? What can you be sure about the end of the enemies of the church? What does God show about Himself in this? How are you responding to Him?
Sample prayer: Lord, Your indignation against our sin is righteous and just. And Your determination to subdue our iniquities is merciful. Forgive us and cleanse us, in Your compassion and love, we pray through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested Songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH103A “Bless the LORD, My Soul”
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