Micah 7:7-10

CONFIDENCE OF THE PENITENT COMMUNITY IN A FINAL DELIVERANCE, Micah 7:7-10.

As these verses stand now, one might suppose, on first thought, that they came from the same speaker as Micah 7:1-6. The prophet, having bewailed the present corruption of his fellow citizens, breaks out, “Whatever they may do, as for me, I will look unto Jehovah.” But the language of Micah 7:8-10 clearly shows that the speaker cannot be the prophet; he must be the people, or at least a remnant of the people. If the verses come from Micah we must assume that he pictures to himself the nation in the midst of the calamity, which he has repeatedly announced. A remnant, he believes, will remain loyal, and into the mouth of this personified remnant, sitting in darkness, overpowered by the enemy, he places supplications for speedy deliverance, and expressions of confidence. The contrast between the moral and spiritual condition of the people described in Micah 7:1-6 and the humility and confidence expressed in Micah 7:7-10 is very remarkable. Either Micah was a man of extraordinary dramatic power and of wonderful imagination, or the verses cannot come from him.

I will look… wait The old stubbornness is gone; softened through suffering, the remnant is ready to wait patiently until Jehovah will interfere on its behalf.

The God of my salvation He alone can deliver (see on Hosea 14:3; compare Psalms 27:9).

Will hear The suppliant is convinced that God will hear, and that the hearing assures a gracious answer (Isaiah 30:19). Upheld by this sublime confidence, the petitioner turns to the arrogant enemy that oppresses Israel.

Rejoice not For your triumph will not be permanent.

When I fall A picture of calamity and distress. By the help of Jehovah the remnant expects to rise again.

Sit in darkness Another figure of calamity and trouble. Jehovah will keep a watchful eye on his people and will be their “light” through the promises which illumine the gloom and keep alive hope and courage.

In the assurance that Jehovah is still God, and in the consciousness of its sin and guilt, the remnant is willing to bear patiently its present affliction.

I will bear the indignation Because I deserve it, and because in due time Jehovah will again smile upon me.

Plead my cause,… execute judgment The enemy has gone beyond his commission (Isaiah 10:5 ff.; Habakkuk 1:11), hence Israel has cause for complaint; but it is willing to leave its case in the hands of Jehovah; he will punish the proud foe and recompense the remnant for its sufferings.

Light Of prosperity and felicity.

I shall behold his righteousness Which will manifest itself in the deliverance from the enemy. In this God acts righteously, because the preservation and deliverance of the people is in accord with the covenant relation existing between him and Israel.

When Jehovah will thus interfere on behalf of his people, the enemy, arrogant on account of temporary success, will be confounded.

Where is Jehovah thy God See on Joel 2:17.

Mine eyes shall behold her R.V., “Mine eyes shall see my desire upon her.” These words and the rest of the verse might possibly be interpreted as a continuation of the boast. When the enemy beheld the misfortune of Zion he thought that he would speedily see his desire upon her, that is, would see her completely in his power, for he would now have an easy time with the unfortunate people. It seems better, however, to understand the words as an expression of confidence on the part of the hopeful remnant. The latter expects to see its desire upon its enemy, who will be trodden down as the mire of the street (Isaiah 10:6), while the remnant will be exalted and glorified.