What do you do when the world around you seems full of darkness and injustice?
Micah 7 acknowledges the brokenness of the world but points us to the ultimate hope found in God’s salvation. It encourages us to trust in His justice and steadfast love, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.
Key Verse:
“But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.” – Micah 7:7 (NASB)
Background Context:
Micah 7 closes the book with a powerful blend of lament over the sin and corruption of the world and hope in God’s redemptive power. The prophet describes the moral decay and betrayal among people, but he refuses to lose hope, declaring his trust in God’s salvation. The chapter ends with a celebration of God’s faithfulness and mercy, reminding us of His commitment to forgive and restore His people.
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
The Prophet Acknowledges
1Woe is me! For I am
Like the fruit pickers, like the grape gatherers.
There is not a cluster of grapes to eat,
Or a first-ripe fig which I crave.
2The godly person has perished from the land,
And there is no upright person among men.
All of them lie in wait for bloodshed;
Each of them hunts the other with a net.
3Concerning evil, both hands do it well.
The prince asks, also the judge, for a bribe,
And a great man speaks the desire of his soul;
So they weave it together.
4The best of them is like a briar,
The most upright like a thorn hedge.
The day when you post your watchmen,
Your punishment will come.
Then their confusion will occur.
5Do not trust in a neighbor;
Do not have confidence in a friend.
From her who lies in your bosom
Guard your lips.
6For son treats father contemptuously,
Daughter rises up against her mother,
Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
A man’s enemies are the men of his own household.
God Is the Source of Salvation and Light
7But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD;
I will wait for the God of my salvation.
My God will hear me.
8Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy.
Though I fall I will rise;
Though I dwell in darkness, the LORD is a light for me.
9I will bear the indignation of the LORD
Because I have sinned against Him,
Until He pleads my case and executes justice for me.
He will bring me out to the light,
And I will see His righteousness.
10Then my enemy will see,
And shame will cover her who said to me,
“Where is the LORD your God?”
My eyes will look on her;
At that time she will be trampled down
Like mire of the streets.
11It will be a day for building your walls.
On that day will your boundary be extended.
12It will be a day when they will come to you
From Assyria and the cities of Egypt,
From Egypt even to the Euphrates,
Even from sea to sea and mountain to mountain.
13And the earth will become desolate because of her inhabitants,
On account of the fruit of their deeds.
14Shepherd Your people with Your scepter,
The flock of Your possession
Which dwells by itself in the woodland,
In the midst of a fruitful field.
Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead
As in the days of old.
15“As in the days when you came out from the land of Egypt,
I will show you miracles.”
16Nations will see and be ashamed
Of all their might.
They will put their hand on their mouth,
Their ears will be deaf.
17They will lick the dust like a serpent,
Like reptiles of the earth.
They will come trembling out of their fortresses;
To the LORD our God they will come in dread
And they will be afraid before You.
18Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity
And passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession?
He does not retain His anger forever,
Because He delights in unchanging love.
19He will again have compassion on us;
He will tread our iniquities under foot.
Yes, You will cast all their sins
Into the depths of the sea.
20You will give truth to Jacob
And unchanging love to Abraham,
Which You swore to our forefathers
From the days of old.
Reflection on Micah 7:
- Acknowledging Brokenness:
Micah begins by lamenting the corruption and betrayal he sees around him (Micah 7:1-6). This mirrors the struggles we face in a fallen world, where sin often seems pervasive. Are you bringing your concerns about the world’s brokenness to God in prayer? - A Declaration of Hope:
In the midst of despair, Micah declares his faith in God, choosing to watch and wait for the Lord’s salvation (Micah 7:7). This trust in God’s justice and timing is a powerful example for us. Are you anchoring your hope in God, even when circumstances are challenging? - Confidence in God’s Justice:
Micah expresses confidence that God will bring justice to the righteous and judgment to the wicked (Micah 7:8-10). This reminds us to trust in God’s ultimate justice and resist the temptation to take matters into our own hands. Are you trusting God to vindicate and deliver you? - God’s Steadfast Love:
The chapter ends with a declaration of God’s mercy and faithfulness, emphasizing His delight in showing compassion and forgiving sins (Micah 7:18-20). This reminds us that God’s character is unchanging, and His love for His people endures forever. Are you resting in the assurance of God’s forgiveness and grace?
Summary Key Points:
- Acknowledge the Brokenness: Recognize the reality of sin but bring it to God in prayer.
- Choose Hope in God: Trust in His salvation and wait for His perfect timing.
- God Will Bring Justice: Rely on His righteousness to prevail over evil.
- Rest in God’s Mercy: Celebrate His unfailing love and forgiveness.
- Walk in Faith: Let your confidence in God’s character sustain you through trials.
Application:
Reflect on areas in your life where you feel the weight of brokenness or injustice. Surrender those burdens to God, trusting in His justice and mercy. Choose to live in hope, knowing that God’s salvation is sure. Share this hope with others who are struggling, pointing them to God’s faithfulness and grace.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being our steadfast hope in the midst of a broken world. Help us to trust in Your salvation and wait on Your perfect timing. Strengthen our faith to rely on Your justice and mercy, and remind us of Your delight in showing compassion. May we walk in confidence, knowing that You are our refuge and salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.