the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 5 of 5
Micah 1:1-16
Micah is a contemporary of Isaiah, Hosea and Amos. Like them, he prophesies in the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. The deplorable history of Ahaz, related in 2 Kings 16:1-20, and that of the wicked kings of Israel amply justify the terrible words which the LORD utters here, calling on the whole earth as witness. He vindicates His holiness, proclaiming by His judgments that He will have nothing to do with the iniquities of Samaria and Jerusalem.
From v. 8 onwards, we notice how deeply Micah takes to heart the sufferings of his people. "Declare ye it not at Gath . . .," he begs (v. 10; 2 Samuel 1:18; 2 Samuel 1:20). This quotation from "The Song of the Bow" calls to mind that the Lord’s enemies, here the Philistines, are always ready to rejoice over the shortcomings of God’s people, finding in them a ready excuse for their own sins. For this reason, you too, Christian friend, if you have learnt something distressing concerning another believer, should not repeat it lightly. By so doing you would bring dishonour upon the Assembly, and so on the name of the Lord.
Up to v. 16, we behold the triumphant march of the Assyrian, the agent of divine judgment. The list of names of each of the cities invaded brings a tragic significance to the occasion.
