What does "disaster has come from the LORD" teach about divine judgment? Setting of the Verse Micah 1:12: “For the dwellers of Maroth pined for good, but disaster has come from the LORD, even to the gate of Jerusalem.” • Micah prophesies to both Samaria and Jerusalem during a season of moral collapse and idolatry. • Judgment is not random; it meets persistent covenant violations (Micah 1:5–9). Understanding the Phrase “Disaster Has Come from the LORD” • “Disaster” (Hebrew rāʿāh) can mean calamity, evil in the sense of harm, not moral evil. • “From the LORD” states direct divine causation. God is not merely permitting but sending the calamity. • Scripture treats this causation literally, not figuratively (Isaiah 45:7; Amos 3:6). What We Learn About Divine Judgment • God’s sovereignty is comprehensive—nothing reaches His people without His decree (Lamentations 3:37-38). • Judgment is a covenant response. Israel’s rebellion triggers the curses foretold in Deuteronomy 28. • Calamity is purposeful, never arbitrary. It exposes sin and calls for repentance (Micah 2:1-3). The Character of God Displayed in Judgment • Holiness: God’s intolerance of sin demands justice (Nahum 1:2-3). • Truthfulness: He fulfills every word—both promise and warning (Numbers 23:19). • Mercy remains present: judgment carries the implicit invitation to return (Micah 7:18-19). Purposes Behind Divine Disaster • Discipline of His people (Hebrews 12:6-11). • Vindication of His name before the nations (Ezekiel 36:22-23). • Preservation of a remnant through purging (Isaiah 10:21-23). • Foreshadowing final judgment, urging all to seek refuge in Him (Hebrews 10:30-31). Comfort and Warning for Believers Today • The same Lord who sends disaster also provides salvation in Christ (Romans 11:22). • Awareness of divine judgment cultivates reverent obedience and dependence (1 Peter 1:17). • Calamity in our day still functions under God’s hand—calling society and church alike to examine hearts, repent, and embrace His mercy (2 Chronicles 7:13-14). |
    |