Micah 6-7: Condemnation from a Faithful God

So far in the book of Micah the Prophet has spoken on the destruction and eventual restoration of Israel, and the condemnation of its corrupt leaders. Yesterday's reading ended with the hope of the coming of a Redeemer, and the eventual deliverance of the faithful followers.

Now Micah gives a scathing judgement against the people of Israel in their fallen state.

10 Can I forget any longer the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is accursed? 11 Shall I acquit the man with wicked scales and with a bag of deceitful weights? 12 Your rich men are full of violence; your inhabitants speak lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth. 13 Therefore I strike you with a grievous blow, making you desolate because of your sins.

 The people have abandoned their almighty God and given in to the ways of man - and they are overcome with wickedness.

2 The godly has perished from the earth, and there is no one upright among mankind; they all lie in wait for blood, and each hunts the other with a net. 3 Their hands are on what is evil, to do it well...the most upright of them a thorn hedge.

 In spite of Israel's wickedness, Micah proclaims the goodness and long suffering love that the Lord has for His people:

18 Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. 19 He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot.

 What a faithful God! In spite of all their wickedness, rebellion and sin, God still has a plan to redeem His people!

You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.

What joy we have in knowing that our wickedness and evil deeds do not have to get us the eternal separation we deserve. Praise God for His love and faithfulness!