Micah 7:8-20: An apt conclusion to the book of Micah

Wilhelm J Wessels

doi:10.4102/ve.v24i1.324

Abstract

It is argued in this article that Micah 7:8-20 forms an apt conclusion to the book of Micah. As was the case with Micah 1, the concluding section also focusses on Yahweh and his dealings with the people of the earth. There is a universal tendency to be detected in this section as well. An important aspect to notice is the liturgical nature of chapters six and seven, especially 7:8-20. There is a vagueness, almost a timelessness, imbuing this section. This could be intended allowing later generations of believers to apply these words to their own circumstances. With Micah 7:8-20 as the concluding section of the book, one is left with a sense of well-roundedness, of completeness. The collection of oracles attributed to Micah in general has a sombre tone. For this very reason Micah 7:8-20 seems to change the mood. It breathes hope into a negative atmosphere of judgment. It ends with a strong emphasis on the power of Yahweh, the power of forgiveness.

Highlights

Micah 7:8-20 seems to be an apt conclusion to the book of Micah for several reasons
One cannot assume with any certainty that all the oracles originated with the prophet named Micah, but to deny him these oracles can not be done with a great deal of certainty
When reading the closing part of Micah, it dawned on me that once again the focus is on Yahweh who has no comparison, as well as on the people of the earth who would be witnesses to this fact. This gives rise to the idea of the title of Micah 7:8-20 as an apt conclusion to the book of Micah

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Micah 7:8-20 seems to be an apt conclusion to the book of Micah for several reasons. From a study of this book it seems quite clear that the book of Micah is a collection of prophetic oracles. When reading the closing part of Micah, it dawned on me that once again the focus is on Yahweh who has no comparison, as well as on the people of the earth who would be witnesses to this fact This gives rise to the idea of the title of Micah 7:8-20 as an apt conclusion to the book of Micah. There are several reasons why this seems to be the case One such reason would be that in worship lies the true heart of dedication to Yahweh and allows worshippers the best possible opportunity of expressing their intimate relationship with Him. It can be that the altar is the proper place to do penance as well as to renew one’s relationship with the covenantal God. It can be that the altar is the proper place to do penance as well as to renew one’s relationship with the covenantal God All of this may be true concerning the intended audience of the oracles in the book of Micah, but the character of the liturgical sayings in Micah seem to be of a more universal and neutral nature.

A CLOSER LOOK AT MICAH 7:8-20

Micah 7:8-20 within the context of the book of Micah

Structure and exposition of Micah 7:8-20

CONCLUSION