Micah 7:1-6

Israel’s Misery

1 What misery is mine! I am like one who gathers summer fruit at the gleaning of the vineyard; there is no cluster of grapes to eat, none of the early figs that I crave.

2 The faithful have been swept from the land; not one upright person remains. Everyone lies in wait to shed blood; they hunt each other with nets.

3 Both hands are skilled in doing evil; the ruler demands gifts, the judge accepts bribes, the powerful dictate what they desire— they all conspire together.

4 The best of them is like a brier, the most upright worse than a thorn hedge. The day God visits you has come, the day your watchmen sound the alarm. Now is the time of your confusion.

5 Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with the woman who lies in your embrace guard the words of your lips.

6 For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.

Micah 7:1-6 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. S Song of Songs 2:13
• 2. S Psalms 12:1
• 3. S Jeremiah 2:29; Jeremiah 8:6
• 4. Psalms 10:8
• 5. S Proverbs 6:17; S Micah 3:10
• 6. S Isaiah 3:5
• 7. S Jeremiah 5:26
• 8. S Proverbs 4:16
• 9. S Exodus 23:8; S Ezekiel 22:12
• 10. S Numbers 33:55; S Ezekiel 2:6
• 11. S 2 Samuel 23:6
• 12. S Job 31:14; Isaiah 22:5; S Hosea 9:7
• 13. Jeremiah 9:4
• 14. S Ezekiel 22:7
• 15. Matthew 10:35-36*; S Mark 13:12