Micah:7

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* Verse 1-7 - The prophet bemoans himself that he lived among a people ripening apace for ruin , in which many good persons would suffer . Men had no comfort , no satisfaction in their own families or in their nearest relations . Contempt and violation of domestic duties are a sad symptom of universal corruption . Those are never likely to come to good who are undutiful to their parents . The prophet saw no safety or comfort but in looking to the Lord , and waiting on God his salvation . When under trials , we should look continually to our Divine Redeemer , that we may have strength and grace to trust in him , and to be examples to those around us . * Verse 8-13 - Those truly penitent for sin , will see great reason to be patient under affliction . When we complain to the Lord of the badness of the times , we ought to complain against ourselves for the badness of our hearts . We must depend upon God to work deliverance for us in due time . We must not only look to him , but look for him . In our greatest distresses , we shall see no reason to despair of salvation , if by faith we look to the Lord as the God of our salvation . Though enemies triumph and insult , they shall be silenced and put to shame . Though Zion 's walls may long be in ruins , there will come a day when they shall be repaired . Israel shall come from all the remote parts , not turning back for discouragements . Though our enemies may seem to prevail against us , and to rejoice over us , we should not despond . Though cast down , we are not destroyed ; we may join hope in God 's mercy , with submission to his correction . No hinderances can prevent the favours the Lord intends for his church . * Verse 14-20 - When God is about to deliver his people , he stirs up their friends to pray for them . Apply spiritually the prophet 's prayer to Christ , to take care of his church , as the great Shepherd of the sheep , and to go before them , while they are here in this world as in a wood , in this world but not of it . God promises in answer to this prayer , he will do that for them which shall be repeating the miracles of former ages . As their sin brought them into bondage , so God 's pardoning their sin brought them out . All who find pardoning mercy , cannot but wonder at that mercy ; we have reason to stand amazed , if we know what it is . When the Lord takes away the guilt of sin , that it may not condemn us , he will break the power of sin , that it may not have dominion over us . If left to ourselves , our sins will be too hard for us ; but God 's grace shall be sufficient to subdue them , so that they shall not rule us , and then they shall not ruin us . When God forgives sin , he takes care that it never shall be remembered any more against the sinner . He casts their sins into the sea ; not near the shore-side , where they may appear again , but into the depth of the sea , never to rise again . All their sins shall be cast there , for when God forgives sin , he forgives all . He will perfect that which concerns us , and with this good work will do all for us which our case requires , and which he has promised . These engagements relate to Christ , and the success of the gospel to the end of time , the future restoration of Israel , and the final prevailing of true religion in all lands . The Lord will perform his truth and mercy , not one jot or tittle of it shall fall to the ground : faithful is He that has promised , who also will do it . Let us remember that the Lord has given the security of his covenant , for strong consolation to all who flee for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before them in Christ Jesus . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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