><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Micah) CHAPTER 1-2 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 Judgment falls on Samaria and (almost) on Jerusalem. The Lord God is witness for the prosecution (i: 2); the result is ruin in Samaria(1:6, 7), consternation in Judah (1:10-16) and grief in the prophet(1:8, 9). What was the basic reason for the catastrophe (1:5,13)? 2 What classes of the community and what sins are rebuked in chapter 2? What is the penalty? 3 Promise (2: 12, 13) follows banishment (2:10). How are God's gracious acts described? Do we, too, know the Shepherd's love (Jn. 10:14,15) and the King's might (2 Cor. 2: 14)? Cf also Is. 40:11; 2 Sa. 5:20. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Micah) Chapter 1-2 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) Israel's sins caused all the tumult and judgement against Samaria (Israel's capital) and Jerusalem (capital of Judah) They were pagan and idolatrous. In v. 13, Lachish is a large town in Judah and seems to be where it all started. (2) The rich landowners got rich at the poor's expense, false prophets told Micah not to prophesy. The penalty was that rich landowners would be cut off from the covenant, and will be ruined. (3) God's acts of grace are described as a shepherd gathering his remant ina pen, leading the way for them as the King at their head. Truly, Jesus is the Good Shepherd. If we walk in fellowship with Him daily, He shepherds us in a special way. However, he does not take away ou rproblems, I think, but gives us a way to stand up under them. We are weak, but He is strong, and His strength is made PERFECT in our weakness. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Micah Chapter 1 Sin of Samaria and Jerusalem for the Idol Worship What is Jacob's transgression? Is it not Samaria? What is Judah's high place? Is it not Jerusalem? 1:5 Micah delivered his prophecies to Judah under three differenct rulers: Jotham who feared God and he fought off Ammonites (2 Kings 15:32-38); Ahaz was an evil ruler, 2 Chr. 28:1. He reinstituted the practice of idolatry. Who paid tributes to Assyrians. Hezekiah was the one of the outstanding rulers of Judah. He survived from a siege of Assyrian troops sent by king Sennacherib, and prayed to extend 15 more years of his life, Is. 38: 1-8. Vs. 5 mentioned that judgment came on to them because of their idol worshiping. Vs. 6 and 7 identify the specific charges of Samaria to be a place for planting vineyard and their processions to be burned respectively. The reasons are: Hosea 2:12 "And I will destroy her vines and her fig trees, Of which she has said, 'These are my rewards that my lovers have given me.' So I will make them a forest, And the beasts of the field shall eat them." Hesea 2:5b "For she said, 'I will go after my lovers, Who give me my bread and my water, My wool and my linen, My oil and my drink.'" Micah indeed is a faithful prophet who wails and howls. He went stripped and naked. He mourned like the ostriches. 1:8. Micah Chapter 2 Man's Plan and God's Man's plan - They work out evil plans at night and practice it during daytime. 2:1 When prophets explored their evil deeds, they stopped them, vs. 2:6. However, they would listen to the false spirit, 2:11. Their punishment will only end when the Messiah leads them out of exile through the gates of their cities of captivity, back to their own land, 2:13: "The one who breaks open will come up before them; They will break out, Pass through the gate, And go out by it; Their king will pass before them, With the Lord at their head." -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- Micah prophecies began after Jonah and Nahum. He preached to the people of Judah. His main message is one of social justice and truth in action. Each major message begins with "Hear" 1:2; 3:1;6:1. Micah uses a play on words for the announcement of Judgement on Judah. Hayford's Bible Handbook quotes James Moffat's "The Bible: A New Translation" as follows 1:10-14 Weep tears at Teartown(Bochim) grovel in the dust at Dustown(Beth Aphrah) fare forth stripped in Fairtown(Saphir) Stirtown(Zaanan) dare not stir, Beth-esel... and Maroth hopes in vain; for doom descends from the Eternal to the very gates of Jerusalem To horse and drive away, O Horse town(Lachish), O Source of Sion's sin, where the crimes of Israel centre! O maiden Sion, you must part with Moresheth of Gath; and Israel's kings are ever balked at Balkton(Achzib) Message of Coming Judgement 1) The basis for the judgement that falls of Samaria and Judah is the preservation of the high places. Jotham, a good king for the most part did not remove the high places to other gods. His successor Ahaz was a wicked king and developed a pro-Assyrian mode, it took good king Hezekiah to right this wrong and go against Senacherib's revolution and the Assyrians. False prophets were also prevalent. 2) In Chapter 2 the wealthy are condemned for pltting their evils deeds in the night. The penalty was for their land to be stripped away from them. 3) God's gracious acts are described in a merciful way. That God will still be at their head leading them suggests the gentle tender leading of the Good Shepherd. and the Breaker(one going ahead to remove obstacles!) going forward and tearing down the walls suggests the might and power of our Awesome God! Lead on Lord Jesus, may we follow in your footsteps and allow you to go before us in all we do! You are the breaker, we follow where you lead. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Micah) CHAPTER 3:1-4:7 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 The nation's rulers, prophets and priests come under scathing denunciation. Why? And with what result (see 'then', 3: 4, 'there- fore', 3: 6 and 12)? The priests remembered God's promises (3:11; cf Ps. 132: 13, 14) but not His stipulations (cf Ps. 132: 12). May our confidence be similarly false? 2 Notice especially the contrast between the true prophet (3: 8; cf 2: 7) and the false (3:5,11; cf 2:6,11). How may we recognize 'the Spirit of the Lord'? 3 4: 1-7. A new kingdom of peace (4:3, 4) and wholeness (4: 6, 7) is to be established. What will characterize the King, and what His subjects? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Micah) Chapter 3:1-4:7 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) The leaders of Israel were corrupt, despised justice, distorted all that is right, were violent and wicked, judged for bribes, priests taught for a price, prophets told fortunes for money. To top it off, they had the attitude, "no disaster will come among us" without understanding the stipulations of having to obey the Lord and keep His covenant. I think, at times, we need to question whether we are doing things to please the Lord alone. Do we live a "quiet life?" This is Biblical (1Th. 4:11-12). 2) God's man, the true prophet had full confidence. V.8, "I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin." I Thess. 5 gives instructions at the "final instructions" on how to deal with prophecies, etc., 3)The King is characterized as above all others, exalted and attractive to other nations, the Judge between nations and settler of disputes, peaceful. He will also gather the lame and make them a remnant. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Micah Chapter 3 God Punishes the Leaders Wicked rulers despise justice; hate good and love evil; distort righteousness; judge for a bribe, 3:1 and 9; are full of cruelness, 3:3, etc. False (carnal is a better term for this case) prophets and priests are teaching for a price and prophesying for money 3:11. They receive no vision and no divination, 3:6. A godly prophet is filled with power and with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to show us WHAT IS GOOD. AND WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF US? 6:8. Israel's leaders are especially rebuked by God. They were supposed to know right from wrong, but were themselves the vilest sinners of all, 3:1-5. Because of those false prophets, Jerusalem would later be plowed as a field and become a heap of rubble. The very spot on Mt. Moriah where the Temple stood would be overgrown with brush, 3:12. [Willmington's Guide to the Bible] Chapter 4:1-8 A Righteous Kingdom 4:2 "Many nations shall come and say, 'Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; he will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.' For out of Zion the law shall go forth, And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem." 4:5 "For all people walk each in the name of his god, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God FOREVER AND EVER." The Remnant 4:7 "I will make the lame a REMNANT, And the outcast a strong nation; so the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion From now on, even forever. 2:12 "I will surely assemble all of you. O Jacob, I will surely gather the REMNANT of Israel; I will put them together like sheep of the fold, Like a flock in the midst of their pasture; they shall make a loud noise because of so many people." 5:7-8 "Then the REMNANT of Jacob Shall be in the midst of many peoples, Like dew from the Lord, Like showers on the grass, That tarry for no man Not wait for the sons of men. And the REMNANT of Jacob Shall be among the Gentiles, In the midst of many peoples, Like a lion among the beasts of the forest (Lion is king of beasts), Like a young lion among flocks of sheep, Who, if he passes through, Both treads down and tears in pieces, And none can deliver." Heavenly Father, make us to be the ones in the "remnant" and reign over us in Mount Zion from now on and forever, Amen. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- One bad apple spoils the bunch...and bad leadership flows downward... 1) The evil leadership of Micah's day cared as little for the people as a butcher preparing his meat for carving. The worldy leaders themselves were lovers of evil and performers of all sorts of atrocities. The spiritual leaders(prophets and priests) were no better. The prophets were leading the people astray, declaring holy war when they went hungry to obtain the spoils of warfare. The priests were taking money for instruction. Each one was self-seeking, self-centered and had totally forgotten God. The results of the sin of the leadership was judgement. The Lord would hide his face from the leaders, blind the vision of the prophets, and Judgement on the land and nation would fall. 2) Micah is a different breed of prophet though. He is filled with the Spirit of God, justice, and courage. He is God seeking, God fearing, and God centered. We only need to look at the fruits of the Spirit to see the manifestation of the Spirit in those around us. They are in Galatians 5:22-25 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 3) Chapter 4's first portion describes the New World Order. The ruler of which shall be one whom many flock to see, who will be 'chief of the mountains' His subjects will 'walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever' If we truly belong to Him, we will walk in the Spirit as Micah did... Galatians 5:24-25 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us walk in the Spirit and in the name of the Lord Our God forever and ever, AMEN! ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Micah) CHAPTER 4:8-5:15 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Two prophecies with a 'Now . . . But . . .' pattern. 1 4:8 - 5:I. Zion will be besieged and her inhabitants exiled. But what will follow? On a personal level, what is man's true perspec- tive to be? Cf 4: 12 and I Cor. 2:9, 10. 2 5: 2-6. From this early Messianic prophecy what do we learn of the Messiah's origins and activity? How did Jesus fulfil the longings of prophet and people? 3 5:10-15. The life of the restored reninant of Israel will be one of God-given (verse 7) victory (verses 8, 9), but purification will be involved (verses 10-i 4). Disobedience is disastrous (verse 15).See I Pet. 2:9-12, 16; 4: 7 and consider how the same principle still applies. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Micah) Chapter 4:8-5:15 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) Following exile to Babylon, Zion will be rescued and redeemed out of the hand of her enemies by the Lord. v.12, about th enations against Zion, "But they do not know the thoughts of the Lord; they do not understand His great plan, He who gathers them like sheaves to the threshing floor." God's plans are BEYOND man's wisdom, logic or sense. (2) The Messiah's origins are from of old, from ancient times (v.2). Before Jesus Christ's birth, His origins were already worked out.It says in v. 4 , "HE WILL STAND AND SHEPHERD HIS FLOCK IN THE STRENGTH OF THE LORD, IN THE MAJESTY OF THE NAME OF THE LORD HIS GOD. AND THEY WILL LIVE SECURELY, FOR THEN HIS GREATNESS WILL REACH TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH. AND HE WILL BE THEIR PEACE." How beautiful, how wonderful; how blessed we are to have such a Good Shepherd, who truly guides us in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Meditate and praise God, Psalm 23 - What a mighty and loving (daily) Shepherd! (3) Idols were detestable, disgusting in the Lord's sight and had to be destroyed. May we learn to daily recognize each and every idol, which is anything IMO that hinders us from God. If we really think of it, TV's, etc., are actually idols when getting in the way of our time with God. Do I dare to challenge myself here? If we have time to turn on the TV, why don't we have time for Almighty God? What is more important to you? ("inside" comment: Get your big rocks in FIRST.) [Editor's note: Get THE ROCK(Jesus Christ) in FIRST, then get the pebbles in!] -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Micah 4:8 - 4:13 Prediction of Captivities and the Coming Kingdom In 1:16, Micah prophesied that "they will go from you into exile." Here, it is more clearly announced that 'Writhe in agony, O Daughter of Zion, like a woman in labor, for now you must leave the city to camp in the open field. You will go to Babylon: there you will be rescued. There the Lord will redeem you out of the hand of your enemies." 4:10. Micah 4:8; and 12-13 predicted the restoration of the former dominion and kingship will come to the Daughter of Jerusalem. The Lord would judge all the earth. Kingship will eventually come to Israel: Isaiah 18:7 - At that time gifts will be brought to the Lord almighty from a people tall and smooth-skinned, from a people feared far and wide, an aggressive nation of strange speech, whose land is divided by rivers - the gifts will be brought to Mount Zion, the place of the Name of the Lord Almighty. Isaiah 60:9 - surely the islands look to me; in the lead are the ships of Tarshish, bringing your sons from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor. Micah Chapter 5 The Promise of the Coming King Micah 5:2 gave us the understanding that Jesus "whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting", from the beginning of creation. 5:4b - 5a ----- for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth. AND THIS MAN SHALL BE THE PEACE, ---- His people, 'The Remnant' "shall be "as a dew from the Lord, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men." 5:7 These people, they do not bend themselves to the worldly authority and do not look after the honor of this world. Their deeds are recorded in heaven, their saving account are established there. There are incorruptible crowns reserved for them on that day. It is important for us to evaluate our lives for the fitness to the standards as one of "the Remnants." May the Living Word of Life enlightening our vision and the Holy Spirit directs us to live that way. Not only root down deeper but also walk into the deeper water in our lives. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- Captivity, Judgement and the Coming King's deliverance 1) Although there will be captivity and suffering, this will usher in the kingdom of the One. v10 talks again of redemption. The redemption theme is prevalent, EVEN in the Old Testament(Ruth, Hosea, Micah, etc...just to name a few I/we have studied recently). I COr 2:9-10 describes the same as Micah 4:12, the role of man, and what we need to do. but just as it is written, "THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND WHICH HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM." 10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. We must realize we are limited, but strive through the Spirit to have the things of God revealed to us daily. 2) The book of Micah clearly states the Messiah's birthtown Bethlehem-Ephrathah. It goes on to reveal his presence since the beginning, 'His goings forth are from long ago' It also shows the fact that he will come again. 3) I Peter 2:9-12 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY. 11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. 12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation. Our calling and the calling of the remnant is to be aliens and strangers to this world. We must realize we are only visitors here and we do not belong to the Earth/world. We are to obey and observe God's commands and to execute the will of God in our lives to give glory to Him. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Micah) CHAPTER 6:1-7:6 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 6:1-8. What was the substance of the Lord's case against His people? Do not forgetfulness and misunderstanding still characterize them? Apply Col. 2: 20 and 3: i-4, for example. Does God find in us what He has shown to us (verse 8; 'require of' literally means 'seek in')? 2 6:9 7:6. Sin brings desolation (6: I 3' i6) and social breakdown (7: 2-6). Do we (a) recognize and (b) grieve over this sad and modern tale? Do our lives shine like lights in this situation? Cf 7: 8 and Phil. 2:15. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Micah) Chapter 6:1-7:6 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) The Lord calls the creation as witness, the everlasting foundations of the earth. Israel (NIV study Bible says primarily Judah) is disobedient to the Lord. All their sacrifices are useless, because they lack true obedience..."..And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." v8b. It is a challenge to every Christian as well, I think. (2) The despair of sin is seen in ch. 7, v1-2a, "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. THE GODLY HAVE BEEN SWEPT FROMTHE LAND; NOT ONE UPRIGHT MAN REMAINS.." Yes, our society is also wicked and sinful to the core. When we consider what drives people it is usually worldly gain, pleasure, money, position. These are fruitless pursuits. Therefore, we Christians ought to seem all the more different, odd, strange and brighter lights than ever. To God be the glory. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Micah Chapter 6 What Is Good and What Does the Lord Require of Us? In 6:1 - 5, gracious God remind us of His goodness toward Israelites so that we may know the righteous acts of the Lord. 6:7 shows that salvation could only come from God because we are all sinners, exceept Jesu. Hebrews 9-14 "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spitit offered himself UNBLEMISHED to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" Micah 8b: Micah's short version of the Ten Commandments: "TO ACT justly and TO LOVE mercy and TO WALK humbly WITH YOUR God." GUILT OF ISRAELITES: One of Israelites' Guilt identified in 6:9-13 is (1) DISHONESTY. The other sins of Israel and Judah are are: (2) IDOLATRY, 1:7; 6:16; (3) COVETOUSNESS, 2:2; (4) VIOLENCE, 2:2; 3:10; 6:12; (5) FALSE PROPHETS, 2:6, 11; (6) CORRUPT PRINCES, 3:1-3; (7) CORRUPT PRIESTS, 3:11; (8) BRIBERY, 3:9,11; 7:3. Micah, brokenhearted, tells them god's judgment is corning Jerusalem and its Temple will be destroyed, 3:12; 7:13. The people of Judah will be taken captive to Babylon, 4:10. This would occur over 100 years later in 586 B.C. Yet Micah was a prophet of hope and he also brought a message of God is love and mercy. [Salem Kirban Reference bible] Punishment of Israel' Injustice 6:9 - 16: " ----- Therefore I will also make you sick by striking you, By making you desolate because of your sins. You shall eat, but not be satisfied; ----- You may carry some away, but shall not save them; ---- You shall sow, but not reap; ---- make sweet wing, but not drink wine. ---- you shall bear the reproach of My people." Chapter 7: 1 - 6 Sorrow for Israel's Sins There is no righteous man that Micah could find in Israel just like no more fruit you could find in summer after regular harvest is over. All you could find are weeds, a generation of violent, dishonest and greedy men. Vs. 2-4. Is it pittyful? Just like we are experiencing in the Church today - regardless how great a message the preachers bring whole heartedly to the world, nobody cares to come to listen to it. Woe to this wicked generation! Trust God alone! Do not trust in any man. None of them is trustworthy, even your son and daughters, vs. 5-6. It is an awful statement to believe, but it is a true statement. In 1950s, Chinese people all understand what does it mean to them; because they lived through under those circumstances. FINAL CALL, Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? TO ACT justly and TO LOVE mercy and TO WALK humbly with your God. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The CALL, Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? TO ACT justly and TO LOVE mercy and TO WALK humbly with your God. This is our charge from God! Hea has called us to goodness, to justice, to mercy, and to humility. How dull a generation are we in the midst of all our technology that we get tuned out from the noise of this society and its high tech advances that we forget these simple truths. Col 3: 1-4 1 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. 2) Israel, was told it would suffer, but not taste the fruit, it would cracve the first fruit, the first love, but would not find it as a punishment for their sins. All the hard work, labor and suffering would be done, but the fruit, the reward would not be to Israel for its sin, a sad tale indeed But, God is a loving God. v8 Though I fall I will rise; Though I dwell in darkness the Lord is light for me! He is our light! Phil 2:15-16 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. Let our work and our running not be in vain, but let us strive after the Word daily! Let us say: Micah 7:7 But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of My Salvation. My God will hear me Lord Jesus come quickly we pray! ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Micah) CHAPTER 7:7-20 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 7: 7-20. The penitent city speaks in verses 7-I0, and the prophet responds to them (11-13), and to God on their behalf (14-20). In what respects does the sinful city take the right course in chapter 7? On what promises does she rest her case (verses 7-9), and what promise does she receive (verses II, 12, 15)? 2 The end of the disobedient nations is appalling (7: 10, 13, 16, 17;5:9,15). Strict justice is the principle of God's judgment (cf Rev. 16:5-7). How was Micah's vision of a forgiving God (7: 18-20) glorious yet restricted? How does the New Testament have a broader insight into this same forgiving God? Cf Jn. 3: 16; 2 Pet. 3:9. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Micah) Chapter 7:7-20 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) Because of her returning to the Lord, Israel will once again receive the position of treasured prize of the Lord's. Other nations will flock to her, she will extend her boundaries and the Lord will again show them His wonders. (2) The fate of the other nations is dark, and they will know the fear of the Lord. God is compassionate and forgiving, but he hates sin. It must be punished, dealt with in a way that the sin itself deserves. "You will again have compasion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depth of the sea..."v18b-19. God is so patient with us, yet do we like Israel "torture" Him by our corruption, forgetfulness, or unthankfulness? But, let us show love instead, as Christ did, for "love covers over all wrongs" (Prov. 10:12b). -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Micah Chapter 7:7 - 20 Hope for the Future Micah concludes the book by predicting that though Zion would be insulted by her enemy, 7:8-10. In the end, restoration would also come, 11-13. Is there any other god like our God? (1) who forgives sins; (2) passes over the transgression of "the remnant"; (3) does not retain anger forever; (4) has compassion on us; (5) subdues our iniquities and (6) who keeps His promises. 7:18-20 Therefore I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my Salvation; MY GOD WILL HEAR ME. 7:7 -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- God's Unchanging Love. 1) In chapter 7 the people finally realize their wrong and repent. Micah cries to God for them too. They realize their sin(v9). They also realize that only God can deliver them from the sin(v10) He will bring me out to the light, And I will see His righteousness. God provides the way out of sin(his Son) and we must follow Him to receive salvation from our sins. The people then receive the promise. Their boundary will be extended and they will be strengthened, they will be restored, and miracles will be shown. These millenial blessings will be given as part of God's covenant with Abraham from the beginning. 2) The destruction of the disobedient nations is quite severe. It shows God's powerful and necessary judgement. Micah's vision though also shows one key element -v18 He does not retain his anger forever, Because He delights in unchanging love. It is this unchanging love that prompted Holy God to send his One and Only Son to save this filthy world. This amazing grace with such a sweet sound that saved each of us wretches from our lost state. John 3:16 shows the NT instance of this unfailing, UNCHANGING LOVE. It was there in the beginning when God provided the skins for Adam and Eve; it is still here today for you and I; and it will continue forever. God's love is UNCHANGING. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.