Micah 1
Nahum 1 is a poetic introduction that declares the character of God, His judgment, and His salvation. It is divided into three main parts. First, praise and description of God (verses 1–6); second, a proclamation that God will certainly judge evil (verses 7–11); third, comfort and promises given to God’s people (verses 12–15). This chapter especially emphasizes how God’s justice and love come together harmoniously.
1verseThe LORD’s word that came to Micah of Morasheth in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.
2verseHear, you peoples, all of you! Listen, O earth, and all that is therein. Let the Lord GOD be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple.
3verseFor behold, the LORD comes out of his place, and will come down and tread on the high places of the earth.
4verseThe mountains melt under him, and the valleys split apart like wax before the fire, like waters that are poured down a steep place.
5verse“All this is for the disobedience of Jacob, and for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the disobedience of Jacob? Isn’t it Samaria? And what are the high places of Judah? Aren’t they Jerusalem?
6verseTherefore I will make Samaria like a rubble heap of the field, like places for planting vineyards; and I will pour down its stones into the valley, and I will uncover its foundations.
7verseAll her idols will be beaten to pieces, all her temple gifts will be burned with fire, and I will destroy all her images; for of the hire of a prostitute has she gathered them, and to the hire of a prostitute shall they return.”
8verseFor this I will lament and wail. I will go stripped and naked. I will howl like the jackals and mourn like the ostriches.
9verseFor her wounds are incurable; for it has come even to Judah. It reaches to the gate of my people, even to Jerusalem.
10verseDon’t tell it in Gath. Don’t weep at all. At Beth Ophrah I have rolled myself in the dust.
11versePass on, inhabitant of Shaphir, in nakedness and shame. The inhabitant of Zaanan won’t come out. The wailing of Beth Ezel will take from you his protection.
12verseFor the inhabitant of Maroth waits anxiously for good, because evil has come down from the LORD to the gate of Jerusalem.
13verseHarness the chariot to the swift steed, inhabitant of Lachish. She was the beginning of sin to the daughter of Zion; for the transgressions of Israel were found in you.
14verseTherefore you will give a parting gift to Moresheth Gath. The houses of Achzib will be a deceitful thing to the kings of Israel.
15verseI will yet bring a conqueror to you, inhabitants of Mareshah. The glory of Israel will come to Adullam.
16verseShave your heads, and cut off your hair for the children of your delight. Enlarge your baldness like the vulture, for they have gone into captivity from you!
The Character of God (Verses 1–6)
At the beginning of chapter 1, the text powerfully declares what kind of God He is. God is jealous and one who takes vengeance, yet also the God of patience who endures for a long time, and He is good and a stronghold for those who take refuge in Him. At the same time, it shows that He never simply lets evil go unpunished in His wrath. The poetic language (poetic expressions) in these verses reveals that God is the absolute sovereign who rules over nature and all the universe.
Judgment Proclaimed to Nineveh (Verses 7–11)
In this paragraph, God teaches clearly the difference between good and evil. For those who take refuge in God, He is good; but for those who do evil like Nineveh, judgment that is fitting will certainly come upon them. The character of God, who distinguishes between good and evil, is revealed, and it emphasizes that God’s plan cannot be prevented by any human power.
Promises Given to the People (Verses 12–15)
In the final portion, God promises comfort and restoration to His people. Previously, there was suffering and oppression, but now He says He will break the yoke and bonds and make all things new. At the same time, by proclaiming Nineveh’s complete destruction, it shows that God’s justice will certainly be carried out. Verse 15 deals with those who proclaim the good news of the gospel and the restoration of peace.
Meditation Points
- I think about whether I can trust God as the one who will put an end to evil and establish justice in the areas of my life as well.
- In that God’s wrath and love exist together, I reflect on whether my faith is not leaning only toward one side.
- I also meditate on whether the comfort and promises God gave to Israel who was suffering are strengthening for me as well.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- I renew my mind to trust God’s justice and protection amid fear and hardship in my life.
- I decide to live a day practicing goodness, sharing the comfort and the gospel I have received with my neighbors.
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