I. Summary
Micah laments the corrupt society around him, places his trust in Yahweh, and asks that Israel be restored and her enemies punished.
II. Photo
Micah puts his trust in Yahweh: “You will hurl all our sins into the depths of the sea. You will keep faith with Jacob, loyalty to Abraham, as You promised on oath to our fathers in days gone by.” (v. 20)
III. Select Verses
1-2: Woe is me! I am become like leavings of a fig harvest, Like gleanings when the vintage is over, There is not a cluster to eat, Not a ripe fig I could desire. The pious are vanished from the land, None upright are left among men; All lie in wait to commit crimes, One traps the other in his net.
5-6: Trust no friend, Rely on no intimate; Be guarded in speech With her who lies in your bosom. For son spurns father, Daughter rises up against mother, Daughter-in-law against mother-in-law — A man’s own household Are his enemies.
9: I must bear the anger of the LORD, Since I have sinned against Him, Until He champions my cause And upholds my claim. He will let me out into the light; I will enjoy vindication by Him.
11: A day for mending your walls — That is a far-off day.
16-17: Let nations behold and be ashamed Despite all their might; Let them put hand to mouth; Let their ears be deafened! Let them lick dust like snakes, Like crawling things on the ground! Let them come trembling out of their strongholds To the LORD our God; Let them fear and dread You!
18-20: Who is a God like You, Forgiving iniquity And remitting transgression; Who has not maintained His wrath forever Against the remnant of His own people, Because He loves graciousness! He will take us back in love; He will cover up our iniquities, You will hurl all our sins Into the depths of the sea. You will keep faith with Jacob, Loyalty to Abraham, As You promised on oath to our fathers In days gone by.
IV. Outline
1-6. Lament over an evil society
1-2a. The pious have vanished
2b-4a. Description of the wicked
4b. Future punishment
5-6. Familial defiance
7-10. Psalm of trust and imprecation
7-8. Affirmation of confidence
9a. Acceptance of punishment
9b. Future salvation
10. The enemies will see and be defeated
11. Rebuilding the walls
12-13. Destruction from Egypt to Mesopotamia
14-15. Prayer for Israel’s restoration
16-17. Prayer for Yahweh to shock the nations
18. Praise
19-20. Faith in Yahweh’s loyalty
V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
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