Micah 7:1

CHAPTER VII

The prophet begins this chapter with lamenting the decay of

piety and the growth of ungodliness, using a beautiful allegory

to imply (as explained in Micah 7:2)

that the good man is as seldom to be met with as the early fig

of best quality in the advanced season, or the cluster after

the vintage, 1, 2.

He then reproves and threatens in terms so expressive of great

calamities as to be applied in the New Testament to times of

the hottest persecution, 3-6. See Matthew 10:35.

Notwithstanding which a Jew is immediately introduced

declaring, in the name of his captive people, the strongest

faith in the mercy of God the most submissive resignation to

his will, and the firmest hope in his favour in future times,

when they should triumph over their enemies, 7-10.

The prophet upon this resumes the discourse, and predicts their

great prosperity and increase, 11, 12;

although the whole land of Israel must first be desolated on

account of the great wickedness of its inhabitants, 13.

The prophet intercedes in behalf of his people, 14.

After which God is introduced promising, in very ample terms,

their future restoration and prosperity, 15-17.

And then, to conclude, a chorus of Jews is introduced, singing

a beautiful hymn of thanksgiving, suggested by the gracious

promises which precede, 18-20.

NOTES ON CHAP. VII

Verse Micah 7:1. Wo is me!] This is a continuation of the preceding discourse. And here the prophet points out the small number of the upright to be found in the land. He himself seemed to be the only person who was on God's side; and he considers himself as a solitary grape, which had escaped the general gathering. The word קץ kayits, which is sometimes used for summer, and summer fruits in general, is here translated late figs; and may here, says Bishop Newcome, be opposed to the early ripe fig of superior quality. See on Hosea 9:10, and Amos 8:1. He desired to see the first-ripe fruit - distinguished and eminent piety; but he found nothing but a very imperfect or spurious kind of godliness.