• Title Page
• Pentateuch
• History
• Poetry
• Prophets
  • Lesson 23: Introduction to the Prophetic Scriptures
  • Lesson 24: Joel
  • Lesson 25: Jonah
  • Lesson 26: Amos
  • Lesson 27: Hosea
  • Lesson 28: Micah
  • Lesson 29: Isaiah
  • Lesson 30: Nahum, Zephaniah, Habakkuk and Obadiah
  • Lesson 31: Jeremiah
  • Lesson 32: Ezekiel
• Post Captivity Prophets
• Gospels, Acts
• Pauline Epistles
• General Epistles

during the millennial age. If this proposition, or either of them, seems strange or unlikely to any of us just now, let us possess our souls in patience till the constant repetition of it in the prophets convinces us of its truth.

We need not pursue the analysis of these verses further, as even the cursory reading of them indicates that the period in mind is that when Israel shall have a place of power among the nations, her enemies overcome, and her own sins and idolatries forever put away.

A Contrast Drawn

Micah 6 and 7 have been described as presenting a “contrast between the reasonableness, purity and justice of the divine requirements, and the ingratitude, injustice and superstition of the people which caused their ruin.” The conclusion of the book is in the spirit of encouragement based on the unchanging truth and mercy of God.

The closing chapter is peculiarly affecting, presenting us with a kind of soliloquy of repentance on Israel’s part. The better element, the right-spirited ones among the people, are shown as confessing and lamenting their sinful condition in Micah 7:1-6, but expressing the utmost confidence in God’s returning favor (Micah 7:7-8). Putting all the circumstances together, there are few verses in the whole Bible more expressive of profound and quiet hope and trust than these. It is beautiful indeed to see the spirit of humble confession and submission in Micah 7:9, and the certainty of triumph over every foe (Micah 7:10). Observe particularly how Jehovah Himself speaks through the prophet in Micah 7:11-13 (R.V.). See the promise of supernatural interposition on Israel’s behalf in that day (Micah 7:15); and the confusion of the Gentile nations at their triumph, and their own discomfiture (Micah 7:16-17). Of course, the temporal blessings thus coming upon Israel are all predicated of their return to the Lord and His forgiveness of their sins (Micah 7:18-19). Nevertheless these things will all take place on the ground of the original promise to Abraham (Micah 7:20).

Isaiah

Read Isaiah 1:1, to learn something of the prophet’s personal history. Whose son was he? To which kingdom was he commissioned as a prophet? In whose reigns did he prophesy?