Micah 7:18-20

A DOXOLOGY, Micah 7:18-20.

Reveling in the thought of a glorious future, the prophet ascribes all honor and praise to Jehovah, who alone is God.

Who is a God like unto thee The question may contain a play upon the name Micah, which means Who is like Jehovah? If Micah 7:7-20, does not come from the prophet Micah (see p. 368), does this play explain why the verses were embodied in the Book of Micah? To the author Jehovah is supreme; and of all the divine attributes Jehovah’s compassion and loving-kindness impress him most deeply.

Pardoneth iniquity Compare Exodus 34:7, “forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.”

The remnant of his heritage See on Micah 5:3, and reference there; also on Joel 3:2. For the close of Micah 7:18 compare Psalms 103:8-9 (see on Joel 2:13).

He will turn again Better, R.V., “He will again have compassion.” He cannot cast off forever his children.

Subdue R.V., “tread our iniquities under foot.” He will trample upon sin as upon an enemy; equivalent to “he will destroy.”

In 19b the prophet returns to the direct address, from which the use of participles caused him to depart.

Cast… into… the sea Never to be raised again. The expression may contain an allusion to the destruction of Pharaoh’s army (Exodus 15:5; Exodus 15:10). Micah 7:20 closes the doxology and the entire book with an expression of confidence that Jehovah will deal with his people according to the promise made to the fathers.

Jacob… Abraham These two names are applied to the nation because to these two ancestors were given the most precious promises (Genesis 22:16-18; Genesis 35:9 ff.).

Days of old Points to the patriarchal age when the promise was first given, but also to subsequent repetitions of the promise.