Verse 1

CONTENTS

The Prophet opens his commission with a very sorrowful tale. Israel and Judah are under the Lord's displeasure, and therefore Micah speaks of nothing but desolation.

Verses 1-9

There is a great sameness between the writings of Isaiah and Micah; their vision opens much alike, only Micah's vision is concerning Samaria and Jerusalem; and Isaiah's of Judah and Jerusalem. Samaria was the chief city of the ten tribes of Israel; so that between the two Prophets, both Judah and Israel are alike reproved. See Isaiah 1:1-2. But what I wish chiefly from both is, to impress the Reader's mind with the one leading object of this and of all prophecy; namely, that the Lord is preparing the Church for the coming of Christ, by showing the universal depravity of the human mind. The gracious way the Holy Ghost takes to bring to Christ is, by convincing of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. John 16:8.

Verses 10-16

I do not trespass on the Reader with observations on what is here said; it is sufficient to remark, that the Prophet is speaking of the low estate of the Church, and he calls in the neighboring nations as if to witness it. Gath is one of the chief cities of the Philistines. Aphrah means the land of dust, from its lowness and poverty. Saphir, though beautiful, shall know her shame; and Zanaan, which means a country of flocks, shall also be brought into trouble. The Prophet indeed refers to all the neighboring nations; for when the Lord hath a controversy with his people, he will also reckon with the nations. Reader! it is blessed when the Lord goeth forth to judgment, to have the chambers of his covenant to run into. That is a sweet promise to this amount. Isaiah 26:20-21.

Verse 16

REFLECTIONS

SOME may not easily discover the Lord Jesus in this scripture. But in the poverty and misery of our fallen nature, God the Holy Ghost is not unfrequently preaching Christ. For Reader! suffer me to ask, by what more persuasive and powerful means can the Lord Jesus be recommended to our hearts, than by showing us our misery and ruin out of Christ? When you and I are taught feelingly and experimentally what sin is; and that in us, that is, in our flesh, dwelleth no good thing; surely it must endear Christ, and induce a sense of our want of him. Oh! how much will a soul long for Jesus, when led to see that without him we are lost forever. Hence the Prophet's vision is not confined to Samaria and Jerusalem; all people, yea, all the earth are called upon to the charge. The Lord grant, Reader, that you and I, in the Prophet's call, may feel interested, so as to impress the necessity and suitableness of the Lord Jesus, and that the Holy Ghost may bring him home to our hearts, and form him there, the hope of glory!