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** Micah was raised up to support Isaiah, and to confirm his
predictions, while he invited to repentance, both by threatened
judgments and promised mercies. A very remarkable passage, #Mic
5| contains a summary of prophecies concerning the Messiah.
 
* The wrath of God against Israel. (1-7) Also against Jerusalem
and other cities, Their precautions vain. (8-16)
 
#1-7 The earth is called upon, with all that are therein, to
hear the prophet. God's holy temple will not protect false
professors. Neither men of high degree, as the mountains, nor
men of low degree, as the valleys, can secure themselves or the
land from the judgments of God. If sin be found in God's people
he will not spare them; and their sins are most provoking to
him, for they are most reproaching. When we feel the smart of
sin, it behoves us to seek what is the sin we smart for. Persons
and places most exalted, are most exposed to spiritual diseases.
The vices of leaders and rulers shall be surely and sorely
punished. The punishment answers the sin. What they gave to
idols, never shall prosper, nor do them any good. What is got by
one lust, is wasted on another.

#8-16 The prophet laments that Israel's case is desperate; but
declare it not in Gath. Gratify not those that make merry with
the sins or with the sorrows of God's Israel. Roll thyself in
the dust, as mourners used to do; let every house in Jerusalem
become a house of Aphrah, "a house of dust." When God makes the
house dust it becomes us to humble ourselves to the dust under
his mighty hand. Many places should share this mourning. The
names have meanings which pointed out the miseries coming upon
them; thereby to awaken the people to a holy fear of Divine
wrath. All refuges but Christ, must be refuges of lies to those
who trust in them; other heirs will succeed to every inheritance
but that of heaven; and all glory will be turned into shame,
except that honour which cometh from God only. Sinners may now
disregard their neighbours' sufferings, yet their turn to be
punished will some come.
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* The sins and desolations of Israel. (1-5) Their evil
practices. (6-11) A promise of restoration. (12,13)
 
#1-5 Woe to the people that devise evil during the night, and
rise early to carry it into execution! It is bad to do mischief
on a sudden thought, much worse to do it with design and
forethought. It is of great moment to improve and employ hours
of retirement and solitude in a proper manner. If covetousness
reigns in the heart, compassion is banished; and when the heart
is thus engaged, violence and fraud commonly occupy the hands.
The most haughty and secure in prosperity, are commonly most
ready to despair in adversity. Woe to those from whom God turns
away! Those are the sorest calamities which cut us off from the
congregation of the Lord, or cut us short in the enjoyment of
its privileges.

#6-11 Since they say, "Prophesy not," God will take them at
their word, and their sin shall be their punishment. Let the
physician no longer attend the patient that will not be healed.
Those are enemies, not only to God, but to their country, who
silence good ministers, and stop the means of grace. What bonds
will hold those who have no reverence for God's word? Sinners
cannot expect to rest in a land they have polluted. You shall
not only be obliged to depart out of this land, but it shall
destroy you. Apply this to our state in this present world.
There is corruption in the world through lust, and we should
keep at a distance from it. It is not our rest: it was designed
for our passage, but not for our portion; our inn, but not our
home; here we have no continuing city; let us therefore arise
and depart, let us seek a continuing city above. Since they will
be deceived, let them be deceived. Teachers who recommend
self-indulgence by their doctrine and example, best suit such
sinners.

#12,13 These verses may refer to the captivity of Israel and
Judah. But the passage is also a prophecy of the conversion of
the Jews to Christ. The Lord would not only bring them from
captivity, and multiply them, but the Lord Jesus would open
their way to God, by taking upon him the nature of man, and by
the work of his Spirit in their hearts, breaking the fetters of
Satan. Thus he has gone before, and the people follow, breaking,
in his strength, through the enemies that would stop their way
to heaven.
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* The cruelty of the princes, and the falsehood of the prophets.
(1-8) Their false security. (9-12)
 
#1-8 Men cannot expect to do ill, and fare well; but to find
that done to them which they did to others. How seldom do
wholesome truths reach the ears of those in high stations or in
authority! Those who deceive others are preparing confusion for
their own faces. The prophet had ardent love to God and to the
souls of men; deep concern for his glory and their salvation,
and zeal against sin. The difficulties he met with did not drive
him from his work. He had this strength; not from and of
himself, but he was full of power by the Spirit of the Lord.
Those who act honestly, may act boldly. And those who come to
hear the word of God, must be willing to be told of their
faults, must take it kindly, and be thankful.

#9-12 Zion's walls owe no thanks to those that build them up
with blood and iniquity. The sin of man works not the
righteousness of God. Even when men do that which in itself is
good, but do it for filthy lucre, it becomes abomination both to
God and man. Faith rests in the Lord as the soul's foundation:
presumption only leans upon the Lord as a prop, and would use
him to serve a turn. If men's having the Lord among them will
not keep them from doing evil, it never can secure them from
suffering evil for so doing. See the doom of wicked Jacob;
Therefore shall Zion for your sake be ploughed as a field. This
was exactly fulfilled at the destruction of Jerusalem by the
Romans, and is so at this day. If sacred places are polluted by
sin, they will be wasted and ruined by the judgments of God.
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* The peace of the kingdom of Christ. (1-8) The judgments to
come upon Jerusalem, but the final triumph of Israel. (9-13)
 
#1-8 The nations have not yet so submitted to the Prince of
Peace, as to beat their swords into ploughshares, nor has war
ceased. But very precious promises these are, relating to the
gospel church, which will be more and more fulfilled, for He is
faithful that has promised. There shall be a glorious church for
God set up in the world, in the last days, in the days of the
Messiah. Christ himself will build it upon a rock. The Gentiles
worshipped their idol gods; but in the period spoken of, the
people will cleave to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and
delight in doing his will. The word "halteth," describes those
who walk not according to the Divine word. The collecting the
captives from Babylon was an earnest of healing, purifying, and
prospering the church; and the reign of Christ shall continue
till succeeded by the everlasting kingdom of heaven. Let us stir
up each other to attend the ordinances of God, that we may learn
his holy ways, and walk in them, receiving the law from his
hands, which, being written in our hearts by his Spirit, may
show our interest in the Redeemer's righteousness.

#9-13 Many nations would assemble against Zion to rejoice in her
calamities. They would not understand that the Lord had
collected them as sheaves are gathered to be threshed; and that
Zion would be strengthened to beat them to pieces. Nothing has
yet taken place in the history of the Jewish church agreeing
with this prediction. When God has conquering work for his
people to do, he will furnish them with strength and ability for
it. Believers should cry aloud under distresses, with the prayer
of faith, not with despondency.
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* The birth of Christ and conversion of the Gentiles. (1-6) The
triumphs of Israel. (7-15)
 
#1-6 Having showed how low the house of David would be brought,
a prediction of the Messiah and his kingdom is added to
encourage the faith of God's people. His existence from eternity
as God, and his office as Mediator, are noticed. Here is
foretold that Bethlehem should be his birthplace. Hence it was
universally known among the Jews, #Mt 2:5|. Christ's government
shall be very happy for his subjects; they shall be safe and
easy. Under the shadow of protection from the Assyrians, is a
promise of protection to the gospel church and all believers,
from the designs and attempts of the powers of darkness. Christ
is our Peace as a Priest, making atonement for sin, and
reconciling us to God; and he is our Peace as a King, conquering
our enemies: hence our souls may dwell at ease in him. Christ
will find instruments to protect and deliver. Those that
threaten ruin to the church of God, soon bring ruin on
themselves. This may include the past powerful effects of the
preached gospel, its future spread, and the ruin of all
antichristian powers. This is, perhaps, the most important
single prophecy in the Old Testament: it respects the personal
character of the Messiah, and the discoveries of himself to the
world. It distinguishes his human birth from his existing from
eternity; it foretells the rejection of the Israelites and Jews
for a season, their final restoration, and the universal peace
to prevail through the whole earth in the latter days. In the
mean time let us trust our Shepherd's care and power. If he
permits the assault of our enemies, he will supply helpers and
assistance for us.

#7-15 The remnant of Israel, converted to Christ in the
primitive times, were among many nations as the drops of dew,
and were made instruments in calling a large increase of
spiritual worshippers. But to those who neglected or opposed
this salvation, they would, as lions, cause terror, their
doctrine condemning them. The Lord also declares that he would
cause not only the reformation of the Jews, but the purification
of the Christian church. In like manner shall we be assured of
victory in our personal conflicts, as we simply depend upon the
Lord our salvation, worship him, and serve him with diligence.
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* God's controversy with Israel. (1-5) The duties God requires.
(6-8) The wickedness of Israel. (9-16)
 
#1-5 The people are called upon to declare why they were weary
of God's worship, and prone to idolatry. Sin causes the
controversy between God and man. God reasons with us, to teach
us to reason with ourselves. Let them remember God's many
favours to them and their fathers, and compare with them their
unworthy, ungrateful conduct toward him.

#6-8 These verses seem to contain the substance of Balak's
consultation with Balaam how to obtain the favour of Israel's
God. Deep conviction of guilt and wrath will put men upon
careful inquiries after peace and pardon, and then there begins
to be some ground for hope of them. In order to God's being
pleased with us, our care must be for an interest in the
atonement of Christ, and that the sin by which we displease him
may be taken away. What will be a satisfaction to God's justice?
In whose name must we come, as we have nothing to plead as our
own? In what righteousness shall we appear before him? The
proposals betray ignorance, though they show zeal. They offer
that which is very rich and costly. Those who are fully
convinced of sin, and of their misery and danger by reason of
it, would give all the world, if they had it, for peace and
pardon. Yet they do not offer aright. The sacrifices had value
from their reference to Christ; it was impossible that the blood
of bulls and goats should take away sin. And all proposals of
peace, except those according to the gospel, are absurd. They
could not answer the demands of Divine justice, nor satisfy the
wrong done to the honour of God by sin, nor would they serve at
all in place of holiness of the heart and reformation of the
life. Men will part with any thing rather than their sins; but
they part with nothing so as to be accepted of God, unless they
do part with their sins. Moral duties are commanded because they
are good for man. In keeping God's commandments there is a great
reward, as well as after keeping them. God has not only made it
known, but made it plain. The good which God requires of us is,
not the paying a price for the pardon of sin and acceptance with
God, but love to himself; and what is there unreasonable, or
hard, in this? Every thought within us must be brought down, to
be brought into obedience to God, if we would walk comfortably
with him. We must do this as penitent sinners, in dependence on
the Redeemer and his atonement. Blessed be the Lord that he is
ever ready to give his grace to the humble, waiting penitent.

#9-16 God, having showed how necessary it was that they should
do justly, here shows how plain it was that they had done
unjustly. This voice of the Lord says to all, Hear the rod when
it is coming, before you see it, and feel it. Hear the rod when
it is come, and you are sensible of the smart; hear what
counsels, what cautions it speaks. The voice of God is to be
heard in the rod of God. Those who are dishonest in their
dealings shall never be reckoned pure, whatever shows of
devotion they may make. What is got by fraud and oppression,
cannot be kept or enjoyed with satisfaction. What we hold
closest we commonly lose soonest. Sin is a root of bitterness,
soon planted, but not soon plucked up again. Their being the
people of God in name and profession, while they kept themselves
in his love, was an honour to them; but now, being backsliders,
their having been once the people of God turns to their
reproach.
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* The general prevalence of wickedness. (1-7) Reliance on God,
and triumph over enemies. (8-13) Promises and encouragements for
Israel. (14-20)
 
#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.

#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.

#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.