Who is a God Like You Micah 7:18

As Micah the prophet began to finish his prophesy concerning Jerusalem and Samaria, he wrote of the restoration of a remnant of people within Israel. The LORD was going to bless them and do so many “marvelous things” for them that the nations around them would be “confounded at all their might”, “lay their hand upon their mouth” and “their ears shall be deaf”. These nations would be like slithering “serpents” and trembling “worms of the earth” moving “out of their holes”. In other words, these nations “shall be afraid of the LORD God” and would “fear” Israel as well. In chapter seven and verse eighteen of his prophesy, Micah reacts to his own words by asking, “Who is a God like You?” where we read:

Who is a God like unto you, that pardons iniquity, and passes by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retains not his anger for ever, because he delights in mercy.

The verse begins, “Who is a God like unto you, that pardons iniquity, and passes by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage?” In a spontaneous reaction to the words he has just written, Micah asked, “Who is a God” or “God-like one or mighty one in power and strength” “like unto you that pardons” or “lifts, bears, carries, takes, assists, aids or exalts” “iniquity” which means “perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or consequences for wrong”. Micah added, “and passes by” or “crosses, marches over, traverses and sweeps by” “the transgression” or “rebellion” “of the remnant” which refers to the “remainder, residue or what is left” “of his heritage” or “possession, portion, inheritance and property”. This remnant, who would be restored to their land as a nation once again, were also guilty of “rebellion” and “perversity”, and yet the LORD God “pardons” and “passes by” their insolence as though they were without it.

The verse goes on to say, “he retains not his anger for ever, because he delights in mercy.” As though“pardon” and “passes by” were not enough, Micah described more of the LORD's characteristics as he wrote, “he retains” or “strengthens, prevails, hardens, becomes strong, courageous, firm, grows firm, becomes resolute or becomes sore” “not his anger” which refers to the “snarling of the nose, nostrils or face” “for ever” or until “perpetuity or the continuing future”. In other words, though the LORD with an angry face comes against “iniquity” and “transgressions”, He does not linger and hold a grudge “because he delights” which means “takes pleasure in, desires and is pleased” “in mercy” which is “goodness, kindness and faithfulness”. When “iniquity” and “transgression” were found within this remnant of Israel, the LORD saw it as an opportunity to extend His “mercy” and goodness to them once again.

As we meditate upon Micah's words, perhaps there are at least two perspectives we should examine. The first is to consider these wonderful characteristics of the LORD. Are we guilty ones who read these words not abundantly grateful that the LORD is known to “pardon iniquity” and “passes by transgression”? Are we not ecstatic that He does not “retain His anger for ever because he delights in mercy”? We love knowing that although we have violated the LORD's commandments, He is more than delighted to extend “mercy” upon us because it is His very nature to do so. The second perspective to consider is, “Are we like unto the LORD?” Do we “pardon” and “pass by” others' “iniquities” and “transgressions” especially when they are perpetrated against us? Do we “retain” our “anger for ever” and hold grudges for years against those who have wronged us? If our lives were to be examined, would people declare that we “delight in mercy”? Jesus Christ exemplified the characteristic of “mercy” when He prayed on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”, and we are challenged to be as He is. May the LORD stir our hearts and minds as we consider the LORD's ways and desire to be as He is.

Next time Micah writes more about the LORD's loving characteristics, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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