Micah 7:1-7

Israel’s Great Misery

1 Woe is me! ¹ For I am like one gathering summer fruit at the gleaning of the vineyard; there is no cluster to eat, no early fig that I crave.

2 The godly man has perished from the earth; there is no one upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood; they hunt one another with a net.

3 Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together.

4 The best of them is like a brier; the most upright is sharper than a hedge of thorns. The day for your watchmen has come, the day of your visitation. ^[a] Now is the time of their confusion.

5 Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms. ^[b]

6 For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household. ^[c]

Israel’s Confession and Comfort

7 But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.

Micah 7:1-7 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO MICAH 7

This chapter begins with a lamentation of the prophet, in the name of the church and people of God, concerning the general depravity and corruption of the times in which he lived, Mic 7:1-6; then declares what he was determined to do for his relief in such circumstances, Mic 7:7; comforts himself and the church with a good hope and firm belief of its being otherwise and better with them, to the shame and confusion of their enemies that now rejoiced, though without just reason for it, Mic 7:8-10; with promises of deliverance, after a desolation of the land for some time, Mic 7:11-13; and with the answer returned to the prayers of the prophet, Mic 7:14,15; which would issue in the astonishment of the world, and their subjection to the church of God, Mic 7:16,17; and the chapter is concluded with admiration at the pardoning grace and mercy of God, and his faithfulness to his promises, Mic 7:18-20.

Cross References

• 1. (Matthew 10:34–39; Luke 12:49–53)

Footnotes

• [a]. Or your punishment
• [b]. Hebrew in your bosom
• [c]. Cited in Matthew 10:35–36; see also Luke 12:53.