When people reject Micah 6:8, complete moral failure becomes a reality, individually and nationally. Chaos reigns and leaves people with no direction (7:1-2). Moral failure incites aggression. Skill in treachery increases (7:3a). Leaders sell their souls to benefit themselves (7:3b). Degradation makes debris of personal worth (7:4a). When morals fail only “wrack and ruin” remain (7:4b, Moffatt). Moral failure destroys trust everywhere (7:5), especially in families (7:6). The Roman historian Tacitus observed, “Here every form of immorality competed for attention, and no chastity, modesty, or vestige of decency could survive.” WWII General Omar Bradley also observed, “The world has achieved brilliance without conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants.”
The prophet then speaks of the clear division between the saved and the unrepentant who oppress the saved. Since the saved have hope in the Lord they can speak with confidence (7:7). Such confidence relies solely upon the power and light of the Lord. God provides the power to save and the light of hope that overcomes darkness during adversity (7:8; Psalm 30:5).
Therefore, the division between hope and judgment is clear (7:9-13). The faithful truly see beyond present oppression to eternal salvation. They acknowledge their need of forgiveness; God will make all things come right (7:9). In contrast, disrespect for God will bring adversity from Him (7:10). Verse 11 is a picture of what salvation brings: restoration and growth. Some will see the light God gives the faithful in the return of Israel from exile. (7:12). Judgment for those who fail to believe in God, however, will be thorough for what they have done (7:13).
The covenant with Abraham and Jacob provides the basis for God’s saving a remnant (7:14-20). Israel has a long history of unfaithfulness to Yahweh, but God’s history of faithfulness supersedes their sin. His “grace is greater than all our sin.” Yahweh will again act as the caring shepherd of Israel (7:14). Miracles like those in Egypt will occur again (7:15). Powerful nations will experience the stunning power of God. It will be not Israel’s sin but God’s salvation that provides a witness for the nations. It will be to their shame and dread if they refuse (7:16-17).
Micah’s name means “Who is like Yahweh?” There is no god like Him. Micah closes with an affirmation of God’s character (7:18-20): He is redemptive, graceful, merciful, compassionate, victorious, and worthy of your trust.
Dr. David Moore is a Baptist preacher in Pampa and an online instructor in Bible and theology for Taylor University and Nations University. Email: dm5867se@outlook.com
