Micah 7

7.2.1

This sentiment has been harkened by many prophets before Micah and many after him. “The faithful man has perished from the earth”, like an endangered species Micah expresses the lack of faithful men. Only in the time of Noah can we be affirmed that no other family of faith persisted (Genesis 6:9-12). Even the powerful prophet Elijah proclaimed "I alone am left; and they seek to take my life." (1 King 19:10)

However, we can be comforted in times such as these, as with the time of Micah and the other prophets that God keeps a remnant of those who have not defiled themselves with the lusts of the world. Not perfect of themselves but kept only by the grace of God (Romans 11:2-5).

7.2.2

Micah was probably unaware of another prophet: Isaiah who was sprouting up and beginning to prophecy for the Lord.

7.2.3

The type of men that Micah observes: they “lie in wait for blood”. This phrase is like hiding behind a bush or a rock and as someone passes by jumping out to strike with a deadly blow.

7.2.4

These men also “hunt their own brother with a net”. Brother here is a broad term that can include a literal brother (of the same parents) but also kinship (of the same tribe or people).

7.3.1

It’s one thing to do evil but be conflicted, yet these men want to do evil with “both hands”. There is no second thought or division in their mind or body related to doing evil.

7.3.2

Not only do they want to do evil, but they want to do evil “earnestly (meaning to do well or rightly)”. Isn’t that strange that they will put their best effort forward in doing unrighteousness? We read earlier in Micah 2:1 that they meditate on iniquity in their beds throughout the night.

7.3.3

Once again Micah gives us details of the place that the people of Israel have fell:

  • The price asks for gifts
    • Even in position of comfort and pleasure from princely status they desire more. It is a promise of the Lord from Ecclesiastes 2:26 “but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting”.
  • The judge seeks a bribe
    • The judge has no intention on maintaining justice, but only seeks his own pleasure. Money is his god.
  • The great man utters his evil desire

7.4

‌The best of them is like a brier; The most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge; Micah exclaims that even the one that seems to be good among the wicked is a thorn. David says the person who deals with them must be armed with iron (2 Samuel 23:7). God will equip His workers with the tools necessary for the task.

7.18

“Who is a God like you?” Our human attempts at making false gods come no where close to the majesty of the true and living God. For how can we, who know only vengeance and anger through sin, fathom such a merciful and forgiving God. Micah gives a few examples of how God is much different than we expect and deserve:

  1. He pardons iniquity
  2. He “passes over” transgression
  3. He doesn’t retain anger
  4. He delights in mercy

These are much different than the human creations that have arose since the dawn of idolatry, and if they do come close they only pervert the true God’s nature.