Mic 1:2 | KingComments | STEP | Micah presents without further introduction of the LORD as the coming Judge. The peoples are called as witnesses, as observers, in this process (cf. ). The judgment that affects God’s people is a harbinger of the judgment that will affect the people at large. The judgment about the cities of Samaria ( ) and Jerusalem ( ) contains education for the peoples. Therefore, the earth is called to listen. The purpose of this general call is to emphasize its great weight (cf. ; ; ). Micah sees, just like Isaiah, that the fate of the nations depends entirely on the fate of God’s people. The song of Moses and the book of the law were once set by God as witnesses of the sins of the Israelites ( ). They testify to the judgment that will strike them if they transgress His covenant. In the same way, the destruction of Samaria and Jerusalem testifies to the nations how God hates sin. It warns them not to think that He will spare them, the nations, if “the Lord GOD” ( Adonai Yahweh ) acts so with His own people ( ). He Himself acts as a Witness, because His people, who should have witnessed to His Name, have abandoned Him and started to serve other gods. The Lord, Adonai , that is the Commander, the Sovereign, comes in majesty from the place where His throne stands ( ). His coming out of His holy place strengthens the impression of His majesty. Micah speaks of “His holy temple”. With this he emphasizes the enormous contrast with the sinful earth, where the atmosphere breathes one and all unholiness and impurity. Fortunately, God will first come out of His sanctuary in Christ and appear on earth to give men the opportunity to be reconciled with Him ( ), before He will appear as Judge, as is suggested here. When He must judge, He goes out of His place ( ). If He postpones judgment and thereby shows mercy, He remains in His place ( ). If He has to judge, He does it briefly, it is the work of a moment ( ). His actual work is to prove grace and mercy ( ).

‏ Micah 1:2

The Judge Comes

Micah presents without further introduction of the LORD as the coming Judge. The peoples are called as witnesses, as observers, in this process (cf. 1Kgs 22:28). The judgment that affects God’s people is a harbinger of the judgment that will affect the people at large. The judgment about the cities of Samaria (Mic 1:6) and Jerusalem (Mic 3:12) contains education for the peoples. Therefore, the earth is called to listen.

The purpose of this general call is to emphasize its great weight (cf. Deu 32:1; Isa 1:2; Jer 6:19). Micah sees, just like Isaiah, that the fate of the nations depends entirely on the fate of God’s people. The song of Moses and the book of the law were once set by God as witnesses of the sins of the Israelites (Deu 31:19-21 ; 26). They testify to the judgment that will strike them if they transgress His covenant.

In the same way, the destruction of Samaria and Jerusalem testifies to the nations how God hates sin. It warns them not to think that He will spare them, the nations, if “the Lord GOD” (Adonai Yahweh) acts so with His own people (1Pet 4:17). He Himself acts as a Witness, because His people, who should have witnessed to His Name, have abandoned Him and started to serve other gods.

The Lord, Adonai, that is the Commander, the Sovereign, comes in majesty from the place where His throne stands (Psa 11:4). His coming out of His holy place strengthens the impression of His majesty. Micah speaks of “His holy temple”. With this he emphasizes the enormous contrast with the sinful earth, where the atmosphere breathes one and all unholiness and impurity. Fortunately, God will first come out of His sanctuary in Christ and appear on earth to give men the opportunity to be reconciled with Him (2Cor 5:20), before He will appear as Judge, as is suggested here.

When He must judge, He goes out of His place (Isa 26:21). If He postpones judgment and thereby shows mercy, He remains in His place (Hos 5:15). If He has to judge, He does it briefly, it is the work of a moment (Isa 54:7-8). His actual work is to prove grace and mercy (Joel 2:13).