Miquéias 7
John Phillips · Citado em PreceptAustin
Miquéias 7
Phillips - Micah ends his prophecy with a eulogy of God's mercy. Unlike Jonah, who was angry because of God's mercy (Jonah 4:1-2), Micah rejoiced over it.
Miquéias 7
Phillips - When the old priest Zacharias indicated that his son's name was John, he regained his ability to talk. As he praised God and prophesied, he quoted Micah 7:20 (see Luke 1:72-73). Walvoord - The future restoration of Israel will be based on the doctrine of grace rather than the doctrine of judgment and will fulfill the covenant with Abraham which God has pledged Himself to fulfill regardless of Israel's sins and shortcomings. (Every Prophecy of the Bible) Boice -[ A stanza from a hymn by Martin Luther (Ed: Actually this hymn Out Of The Depths I Cry To Thee is penned by Charles Wesley) aptly summarizes the entire last chapter of Micah's prophecy. If we have understood and responded to the prophecy, we should be able to join in his sentiments. Though great our sins and sore our wounds and deep and dark our fall, His helping mercy hath no bounds, his love surpassing all. Our trusty living Shepherd he, Who shall at last set Israel free from all their sin and sorrow. Kaiser concludes the great prophecy of Micah - Only a God who exceeds every comparison, known and unknown, can pardon, forgive, and forget our iniquities, our sins, and our transgressions. Why should any mortal still choose to carry his or her load of guilt when that weight can be borne by our Lord? Why would we not want to have our sins forgiven and cast into the depths of the deepest sea? Only this incomparably great God can also break down the barriers and walls that presently separate Israel and the nations. And one day that is exactly what God will do! He will do such marvelous miracles before the eyes of the watching world that all will be amazed. Even kings will exclaim, “Well shut my mouth!” For they will see what they had not even dared to believe, and they will be ashamed. God is great! God is Great! Therefore, “Who is like our God?” We answer, with Micah, there is nothing and no one that even comes close. He exceeds them all! Henrietta Mears has a nice summary - The book of Micah seems to be divided into three parts, each beginning with “Hear” (Micah 1:2; 3:1) or “Hear ye” (Micah 6:1). And each closes with a promise: 1. A promise to deliver Israel—Micah 2:12–13 2. A promise to overthrow the enemies in the land—Micah 5:10, 15 3. A promise to fulfill the promise to Abraham—Micah 7:20 (What the Bible Is All About: Bible Handbook) Look at (regard, pay special attention)(1914)(epiblepo from epi = upon + blepo = to observe, to see) means to literally to turn the eyes upon. The root verb blepo frequently implies looking not nonchalantly but with intent and earnest contemplation. BDAG says epiblepo means to "look intently, to pay close attention to (show special respect for - James 2:3), to look attentively at with implication of personal concern for someone or something. This latter nuance speaks of God's loving care in Luke 1:48. The use in James also conveys the sense of caring too much about or being partial toward. These nuances are interesting to consider as you ponder Lot's wife turning to look back and turning to a pillar of salt (Ge 19:26). There are only 3 uses in the NT... Luke 1:48 “For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.> Luke 9:38 And behold, a man from the multitude shouted out, saying, “Teacher, I beg You to look at my son, for he is my only [boy,] James 2:3 you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” Epiblepo - 85v in Septuagint - Ge 19:26, 28; Ex 14:24; Lev 26:9; Nu 12:10; 21:9; Dt 9:27; Jdg 20:40, 42, 45, 47; 1Sa 1:11; 2:29; 7:2; 9:16; 13:17-18; 14:13; 16:7; 24:8; 2Sa 1:7; 2:20; 9:8; 1Kgs 7:25; 8:28; 18:43; 19:6; 2Kgs 3:14; 13:23; 2Chr 6:19; 16:9; 20:24; Esther 4:17; Ps 13:3; 25:16; Ps 33:13-14; 66:7; 69:16; 74:20; 80:14; 84:9; 86:16; 102:17, 19; 104:32; 119:6, 132; 142:4; Pr 24:32; Eccl 2:11f; Isa 63:5; 64:9; 66:2; Jer 4:23, 25; Lam 1:11; 2:20; 3:63; 4:16; 5:1; Ezek 10:11; 17:5; 20:46; 21:2; 36:9; Da 9:17; Hos 11:4; Amos 5:22; Jonah 2:4; Mic 7:7; Nah 2:8; Hab 1:3, 5, 13; 2:15; 3:6; Hag 1:9; Zech 4:10; 6:7; 10:4; 12:10; Mal 2:13; 3:1; Luke 1:48; 9:38; The first use in the Lxx describes Lot's wife who "looked" (Lxx - epiballo) and as a result became a pillar of salt (Ge 19:26, cp Abraham's look in Ge 19:28 - also epiblepo in Lxx). Clearly she took more than just a glance. Indeed, it was not the glance that got her salted, but it was the inclination of her heart which was predisposed to Sodom and Gomorrha. Dt 33:13The LORD looks (epiblepo) from heaven; He sees all the sons of men; 14From His dwelling place He looks (epiblepo) out On all the inhabitants of the earth, Exod 14:24 And it came about at the morning watch, that the LORD looked down on the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud and brought the army of the Egyptians into confusion. 1Sam 1:11 And she made a vow and said, “O LORD of hosts, if Thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of Thy maidservant and remember me, and not forget Thy maidservant, but wilt give Thy maidservant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and a razor shall never come on his head.” Ps 33:13 The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men; 14 From His dwelling place He looks out On all the inhabitants of the earth, Ps 66:7 He rules by His might forever; His eyes keep watch on the nations; Let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah. Ps 102:17 He has regarded the prayer of the destitute, And has not despised their prayer. Ps 102:19 For He looked down from His holy height; From heaven the LORD gazed upon the earth, Ps 104:32 He looks at the earth, and it trembles; He touches the mountains, and they smoke. THOUGHTS ON INTERPRETATION OF PROPHETIC BOOKS In regard to the OT Prophetic books such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, and the 12 "Minor" Prophets, remember that the most accurate interpretation is derived by applying the following principles: (1) Read the Scripture literally (unless the text is clearly figurative, e.g., Jesus said "I am the door..." Jn 10:9). If one interprets a text symbolically (allegorically, figuratively, spiritualizing) when that text makes good sense literally, one potentially opens themselves to the danger of inaccurate interpretation, for then the question arises as to who's "symbolic" interpretation is correct and how imaginative one should be in evaluating a "supposed symbol"? Many of the commentaries and sermons on the OT prophetic books unfortunately are replete with non-literal interpretations (except when it comes to Messianic Passages, which are usually interpreted literally). Therefore the watchword when reading any commentary on Old Testament prophecy is caveat emptor ("buyer beware"). Read all commentaries like the Bereans (Acts 17:11-note) (2) Study the context which is always "king" in interpretation (don't take verses out of context.) (3) Passages addressed to Israel should be interpreted as directed to the literal nation of Israel and should not be interpreted as addressed to the NT Church, an entity not mentioned in the Old Testament. The promises of Jehovah to the nation of Israel (e.g., see Millennial Promises) remain valid (Jer 31:35, 36, 37, Nu 23:19, Lk 21:33) and have not been passed on to the NT Church because Israel has "defaulted" (See study Israel of God). Remember that while Scripture has only one correct interpretation, there can be many legitimate applications (See Application), and therefore the OT prophetic books are extremely applicable in the lives of NT believers. (4) Scripture is always the best commentary on Scripture. While an attempt has been made to list resources that adhere to these basic interpretative guidelines, not all the works listed in these collections have been read in detail. Therefore should you discover a resource you feel is NOT conservative and/or orthodox, please email your concerns. Related Resources: Inductive Bible Study - Guidelines to Assure Accurate Interpretation Inductive Bible Study Interpretation of Prophetic Scripture Interpretative Views of the Revelation of Jesus Christ Allegorical Interpretation - Tony Garland Interpreting Symbols - Tony Garland Basic Considerations in Interpreting Prophecy - John Walvoord Millennium - Biblical descriptions of this time on earth, primarily from the OT prophets BIBLIOGRAPHY See this list of the best Commentaries on the Book of Micah Allen, Leslie C., The Books of Joel, Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, 1976, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament (One of the top 5 Commentaries on the Book of Micah) Baker, Warren; Carpenter, Eugene E., The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament, AMG Publishers, 2003. Barker, Kenneth L.: Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah- An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (New American Commentary) Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers., 2001, 1999 Biblical Studies Press, The NET Bible Notes on Micah, 2006 (also synchronizes with Constable's notes) Constable, Thomas, Expository Notes on Micah 1-7 Davis, Dale Ralph, A Study Commentary on Micah, Evangelical Press, 2010 Goins, Doug - Do Justice; Love Kindness Guzik, David - Micah 6 Commentary Harris, R. Laird; Archer, Gleason L., Jr.; Waltke, Bruce K.: Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (TWOT); Moody Press, 2003 Kaiser, W. C.: The Preacher's Commentary Series, Volume 23: Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi: Thomas Nelson Inc., 1992. Hindson, Ed and Kroll, Woodrow: King James Version Bible Commentary Nashville: Thomas Nelson; 2005. Martin, John The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Old Testament) Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. McComiskey, Thomas: The Expositor's Bible Commentary, Vol. 7- Daniel and the Minor Prophets McComiskey, Thomas Edward: The Minor Prophets: An Exegetical and Expository Commentary, Baker Academic, Grand Rapids, MI, 2009 MacKay, John L., Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah (Focus on the Bible Commentary), Christian Focus Publications, 2008. McGee, J Vernon Micah Commentary - Thru the Bible Commentary (Mp3's format only) Patterson, Richard D.; Hill, Andrew E: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary, Vol 10: Minor Prophets, Hosea–Malachi, Tyndale House Publishers, 2008 Exploring the Minor Prophets. Kregel, 2002, Phillips, John Swanson, James: A Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains- Hebrew Waltke, Bruce - A Commentary on Micah- Eerdmans Publishing - Jan, 2007 Wiersbe, Warren: Be Concerned (Micah)- Making a Difference in Your Lifetime. David C Cook. 2010 Wiseman, Donald J.; Alexander, T. Desmond; Waltke, Bruce K., Obadiah, Jonah and Micah: an introduction and commentary, InterVarsity Press, 1988,Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries
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Phillips - Coming to the closing stanzas of his prophecy, Micah fixed his eye on the Savior, who was his only ultimate hope (Ed: And our only ultimate hope - Hope is not just a concept but a Person - 1Ti 1:1). The prophet could see end-time Israel in the hands of her enemies. As George Adam Smith said, "Other nations have been our teachers in art and wisdom and government. But [Israel] is our mistress in pain and in patience." In her suffering Israel at last will say, "I will look unto the Lord" (7:7). She will be like the prodigal son in the far country, who said when he came to his senses, "I will arise and go to my father" (Luke 15:18). Watch (06822) (tsaphah) literally speaks of keeping watch for some event. To look. To wait expectantly. See more detailed discussion of tsaphah in Micah 7:4 above. For the LORD. - This reminds me of the great passage in where Paul describes believers as those who are "looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus." (Titus 2:13) And take care to not be deluded (James 1:22-24-note) for there is a connection -- What (Who) you are looking for will (should) radically effect (impact) what (Who) you are living for! How are you doing? Are you reading great passages like this and then walking away with your eye fixed more on the things of the world then upon Jesus imminent return? God grant us grace and power from His Spirit to enable us to be like the man or woman in James 1:25-note. Amen Here is a good practice by David we would do well to imitate - "In the morning, O LORD, Thou wilt hear my voice; In the morning I will order [my] [prayer] to Thee and [eagerly] watch (tsaphah; Lxx = epeidon = fix one's gaze on, concern oneself with!). (Ps 5:3) Kaiser - The Hebrew words for to “look to” (watch for) and to “wait for” are not passive verbs, as our English words suggest, but involve active participation through faith, prayer and certain hope. So while the whole society was coming apart, one man plus God was a majority! (Ed: The corresponding verbs in the Lxx are epiblepo and hupomeno, the former being in the middle voice and the latter in the active voice, both signifying the prophet's active participation as noted by Kaiser.) I will wait (03176)(yahal/yachal) conveys the idea of tarrying, of confident expectation, of trust. Yachal is used to express "expectation, hope," and for the OT believer is intimately associated with faith or trust a mindset (or "heart" set) which results in patient waiting. Yachal is rendered in the Lxx with the verb hupomeno = remain in place when others might depart. Yachal is one of several OT words which express the idea of hope, of a heart attitude of assurance of future good (that God will do good to me in the future is the idea). "Hope" in the OT. Most often where we find "hope" in the English versions, the Hebrew word is miqveh (04723), tiqvah (08615) (from the common root qavah [06960]), or yachal [03176]. Each Hebrew word invites us to look ahead eagerly with confident expectation. Each also calls for patience, reminding us that the fulfillment of hope lies in the future. Jeremiah writes The LORD is good to those who wait (Heb = qavah; Lxx = hupomeno in the present tense = as their lifestyle endure) for Him, To the person who seeks Him. [It is] good that he waits (Heb = yachil; Lxx = hupomeno) silently For the salvation of the LORD. (Lam 3:25-26) For the God of my salvation - NET has " I will wait for the God Who delivers me." Clearly this bold declaration is a reflection of the prophet's faith or trust in God's faithfulness to keep His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God promised to keep His covenant and bring salvation to His chosen people, Isaiah recording... And a Redeemer (Heb - goel/ga'al; Lxx - rhuomai = to rescue from danger) will come to Zion (Jerusalem), and to those who turn from (Heb = shub; Lxx = apostrepho = turn away from - see use in Acts 3:26) transgression in Jacob (Israel),” declares the LORD. (Isa 59:20, cp Ro 11:26-27-note). The Septuagint (Lxx) translates salvation with soter which means Savior, Deliverer, Rescuer, all good descriptions of Jehovah. Micah ran into the Name of the Lord, for he knew it was a strong and that he would be lifted up ("safe" in Pr 18:10 is the Hebrew word sagab - see study) even though the fray might continue around him. (Pr 18:10-note). The exact phase "God of my salvation" occurs 7x in the OT (NAS) - Ps 18:46; 25:5; 27:9; 51:14; 88:1; Mic 7:7; Hab 3:18 We see a similar determined mindset (heart set) voiced by dying Jacob in a declaration that has the first use of the word "salvation" in the Bible - “For Thy salvation I wait, O LORD." (Ge 49:18) Salvation (03468)(yesha יֵשַׁע from yasha' = to deliver) means salvation which has a variety of connotations including deliverance, help, liberty, welfare, preserve, rescue, salvation, safety (Ps 12:5, Job 5:11), welfare or keep safe. Yeshua is used most often in the Hebrew "song book," the Ps. (Ps 12:5; 18:2, 35, 46; 20:6; 24:5; 25:5; 27:1, 9; 50:23; 51:12; 62:7; 65:5; 69:13; 79:9; 85:4, 7, 9; 95:1; 132:16). David repeatedly uses yeshua to describe Who God is (intimately) to him (from his experiences) (2Sa 22:3, 36, 47, cp 1Chr 16:35; see also similar uses in Psalms) TWOT has an informative note (gives us a great picture of "salvation," yeshua/yesuah) on the origin of this Hebrew word group - The root meaning in Arabic is “make wide” or “make sufficient”; this root is in contrast to sārar “narrow,” which means “be restricted” or “cause distress.” That which is wide connotes freedom from distress and the ability to pursue one’s own objectives. (Ed: Compare the great NT verb Jesus used when He said "the truth shall make you free" = eleutheroo) To move from distress to safety requires deliverance. Generally the deliverance must come from somewhere outside the party oppressed. In the OT the kinds of distress, both national and individual, include enemies, natural catastrophes, such as plague or famine, and sickness. The one who brings deliverance is known as the “savior.” The word may be used, however, in everyday life free of theological overtones; e.g., at a well Moses saved the daughters of Reuel from being driven off by the shepherds (Ex 2:17). But generally in the OT the word has strong religious meaning, for it was Yahweh who wrought the deliverance. Thus he is known as the “God of our salvation” (Ps 68:19 [Ed: Hebrew here not 03468 but 03444 - yeshua/yesuah ]). Although salvation could come through a human agent, it was only because God empowered the agent. In the NT the idea of salvation primarily means forgiveness of sin, deliverance from its power and defeat of Satan. Although the OT begins to point in this direction, the majority of references to salvation speak of Yahweh granting deliverance from real enemies and out of real catastrophes. Note that there is another similar Hebrew word Yehosua (03091) which is the English Name Joshua (as translated in the OT), and which is transliterated as Jesus in the NT. Yehosua is from Jehovah (Yahweh) + yasha' (03467) and means "the LORD delivers." ("Jehovah his help"). In the Greek (Lxx) the occurrences of the name "Joshua" are usually translated with the Greek name Iesous which is Jesus in the NT. Iesous means Yahweh saves. The root yasha' means "to save, to help, to deliver, to defend. The underlying idea of this verb is bringing to a place of safety or broad pasture as opposed to a narrow strait, symbolic of distress and danger. The Lxx translates Yeshua in Mic 7:7 with the noun soter which is defined as Savior or One Who rescues. See word study on related word - Salvation (help, deliverance) (03444) yeshua Yeshua is translated (NAS) - safety(3), salvation(31), saving(2). Yeshua - 35v - 2 Sa 22:3, 36, 47; 23:5; 1Chr 16:35; Job 5:4, 11; Ps 12:5; 18:2, 35, 46; 20:6; 24:5; 25:5; 27:1, 9; 50:23; 51:12; 62:7; 65:5; 69:13; 79:9; 85:4, 7, 9; 95:1; 132:16; Isa 17:10; 45:8; 51:5; 61:10; 62:11; Mic 7:7; Hab 3:13, 18 Below are most of the uses of yeshua... 2Sam 22:3 My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; My savior, Thou dost save me from violence. — 2Sam 22:36 “Thou hast also given me the shield of Thy salvation, And Thy help makes me great. — 2Sam 22:47 “The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock; And exalted be God, the rock of my salvation, — 2Sam 23:5 “Truly is not my house so with God? For He has made an everlasting covenant with me, Ordered in all things, and secured; For all my salvation and all [my] desire, Will He not indeed make [it] grow? — Ps 12:5 “Because of the devastation of the afflicted, because of the groaning of the needy, Now I will arise,” says the LORD; “I will set him in the safety for which he longs.” — Ps 18:2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. — Ps 18:35 Thou hast also given me the shield of Thy salvation, And Thy right hand upholds me; And Thy gentleness makes me great. — Ps 18:46 The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock; And exalted be the God of my salvation, — Ps 20:6 Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven, With the saving strength of His right hand. — Ps 24:5 He shall receive a blessing from the LORD And righteousness from the God of his salvation. — Ps 25:5 Lead me in Thy truth and teach me, For Thou art the God of my salvation; For Thee I wait all the day. — Ps 27:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? — Ps 27:9 Do not hide Thy face from me, Do not turn Thy servant away in anger; Thou hast been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation! — Ps 50:23 “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; And to him who orders [his] way [aright] I shall show the salvation of God.” — Ps 51:12 Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation, And sustain me with a willing spirit. — Ps 62:7 On God my salvation and my glory [rest;] The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. — Ps 65:5 By awesome [deeds] Thou dost answer us in righteousness, O God of our salvation, Thou who art the trust of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest sea; — Ps 69:13 But as for me, my prayer is to Thee, O LORD, at an acceptable time; O God, in the greatness of Thy lovingkindness, Answer me with Thy saving truth. — Ps 79:9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Thy name; And deliver us, and forgive our sins, for Thy name’s sake. — Ps 85:4 Restore us, O God of our salvation, And cause Thine indignation toward us to cease. — Ps 85:7 Show us Thy lovingkindness, O LORD, And grant us Thy salvation. — Ps 85:9 Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land. — Ps 95:1 O Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. — Ps 132:16 “Her priests also I will clothe with salvation; And her godly ones will sing aloud for joy. Isa 17:10 For you have forgotten the God of your salvation And have not remembered the rock of your refuge. Therefore you plant delightful plants And set them with vine slips of a strange [god.] — Isa 45:8 “Drip down, O heavens, from above, And let the clouds pour down righteousness; Let the earth open up and salvation bear fruit, And righteousness spring up with it. I, the LORD, have created it. — Isa 51:5 “My righteousness is near, My salvation has gone forth, And My arms will judge the peoples; The coastlands will wait for Me, And for My arm they will wait expectantly. — Isa 61:10 I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. — Isa 62:11 Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the end of the earth, Say to the daughter of Zion, “Lo, your salvation comes (How? When the Messiah, the Savior of the world returns!); Behold His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him.” Habakkuk 3:18 Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. — Henry Morris on God of my salvation - Even though Judah's society had departed far from God, and even though its very family structure was disintegrating (Micah 7:6), Micah (speaking for the godly remnant in his nation) could give this strong testimony of faith in God alone and His provision of salvation.
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Phillips - Thus in the extremity of the great tribulation, the Jewish people will belatedly turn to the Lord (cp Dt 4:30, Zech 12:10, Zech 13:7-8, Ro 11:26-27-note. This revival, which will be characterized by prayer, forbearance, and praise in adversity, will result in Israel's restoration. He will bring me out to the light, and I will see His righteousness (cf Ps 37:6-note, Mal 3:18-note, 2Cor 4:16-note). - Speaking in the first person Micah for the righteous remnant, the he predicts a future time when the nation will experience light which speaks of spiritual light, but this will not be fully realized until the indignation has passed. As noted above, Israel's future indignation will last until the arrival of the Righteous One (Jer 23:5) at His Second Coming. At that time the believing remnant of Israel, those Jews who are delivered at His return, will see His righteousness. Wiseman - Whereas light in Micah 7:8 spoke of God as the present source of salvation, in Micah 7:9 it speaks of his future act of salvation. James Smith applies this truth to believers - The patient, trustful sufferers He shall bring into the light, and cause such to behold his righteousness in all His dealings with them, for He doeth all things well. And at last, when He brings us into the glorious light of our Redeemer's face, and behold His righteousness in all His dealings with us while pilgrims and strangers on the earth, what a revelation, what joy, what cause for praise! (Handfuls on Purpose) G Campbell
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Phillips - With great patience, remarkable acumen, and resourcefulness in the face of constant opposition and harassment, the reborn state of Israel has in our day cleared marshes, irrigated deserts, built cities, established industries, and forged a nation. But it will all be swept away, for Micah could see ruins and rubble everywhere. The Russian invasion, the malignant enmity of the antichrist, wars, bombings, and terrorism will take their toll. However, there will be a final turn in the long lane of troubles. Zion will be rebuilt and her boundaries will be greatly enlarged.
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Phillips - The land of Israel will be a fertile garden. Carmel, Bashan, and Gilead will again have rich pastures. ESV Study Bible - These fertile areas east of the Jordan were among the first lands that Israel gained (Josh. 13:19–31) and the first lands lost (2 Kings 10:32–33; Jer. 50:19). Micah 7:15 As in the days when you came out from the land of Egypt, I will show you miracles. Ps 68:22; 78:12-72; Isaiah 11:16; 51:9; 63:11-15; Jeremiah 23:7,8 JEHOVAH'S ANSWER TO MICAH'S PRAYER Jehovah answers Micah's request in the previous passage. As - Notice that as is a term of comparison, specifically a simile (these usually begin with "as" or "like"). Whenever you encounter a term of comparison, pause and ponder what is being compared, being careful however not to become too fanciful in your observations, but seeking to draw out pictures that are compatible with the context. The point of this comparison with Israel's past deliverance, is to emphasize that "God will intervene on behalf of Israel just as He did when He took her by the hand to lead her out of Egypt." (Kaiser) As in the days when you came out from the land of Egypt, I will show you miracles - The voice of Jehovah is speaking, promising that the days leading up to the Messianic era will be days of miracles, a "new exodus" if you will. Let me ask a question - - When the Jewish exiles returned to Jerusalem from Babylon, did Jehovah show miracles like those seen in the deliverance from Egypt? I can find no such references in the post-exilic writings. Again it seems clear that these miracles are destined to occur in a time yet future. Substantiating this interpretation is the next verse which says the nations (Gentiles) will see and be ashamed of all their might. Has that happened in the post-exilic history of Israel? I think not. The Gentile nations of the world far from being ashamed of their might, have done nothing but "rattle their swords" and threaten Israel since she became a nation for the second time in May 14,1948. Since that time, Israel's neighbors have repeatedly "promised" to annihilate her. So clearly these events are yet future, specifically when the Messiah returns to deliver His people Israel (Ro 11:26-27), even as He had delivered them from Egypt! The ESV Study Bible makes the surprising and to me not hermeneutically sound comment that "The people of God in all ages are included in the deliverance from Egypt (cf. Dt. 5:3)." No that is simply not true! Israel was the nation that was literally delivered from the land of Egypt, and here in Micah 7:15 the text clearly refers to literal Israel! John MacArthur interprets these miracles as incredible end-time events leading up to Messiah's return and deliverance of the believing remnant of Israel writing that "These miracles will be fulfilled in God’s judgment on the earth which precedes the Second Advent of Messiah (cf. Rev 6:1-note through Rev 19:11-16-note).