Topical Encyclopedia The theme of waiting is intricately woven throughout the book of Micah, a prophetic text in the Old Testament. Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah, prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. His messages were directed towards both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, addressing issues of social injustice, idolatry, and the impending judgment of God. Within this context, the concept of waiting emerges as a significant element of faith and hope in God's ultimate deliverance and justice.Micah 7:7 · A Declaration of Trust One of the most poignant expressions of waiting in Micah is found in Micah 7:7: "But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me." . Here, the prophet contrasts the corruption and despair surrounding him with his personal resolve to wait on the Lord. This waiting is not passive but is characterized by active trust and expectation. Micah's declaration underscores a deep reliance on God's faithfulness and a confident hope in His salvation, despite the prevailing circumstances. Waiting Amidst Judgment and Hope The book of Micah oscillates between pronouncements of judgment and promises of restoration. In Micah 4:6-7, the prophet speaks of a future time when the Lord will gather the remnant of His people: "In that day, declares the LORD, I will gather the lame; I will assemble the outcast, even those I have afflicted. I will make the lame into a remnant, and the outcast into a strong nation. Then the LORD will reign over them in Mount Zion from that day and forever." . This promise requires the people to wait in hope for God's redemptive action, trusting that He will transform their current afflictions into future glory. The Messianic Hope Micah also points to the coming of a ruler from Bethlehem, a prophecy that Christians understand as a reference to the birth of Jesus Christ. In Micah 5:2, the prophet declares, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me one to be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." . This messianic prophecy invites the faithful to wait for the fulfillment of God's promise of a Savior, a hope that transcends the immediate historical context and looks forward to the ultimate redemption through Christ. The Call to Act Justly While Waiting While waiting on the Lord, Micah emphasizes the importance of living righteously. In Micah 6:8, the prophet famously articulates what the Lord requires: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" . This call to ethical living is a vital aspect of waiting, as it reflects a life aligned with God's will and purposes. It suggests that waiting is not merely a passive state but involves active engagement in justice, mercy, and humility. Conclusion The theme of waiting in the book of Micah is a multifaceted concept that encompasses trust, hope, and righteous living. It challenges believers to maintain faith in God's promises, even amidst adversity, and to live in a manner that reflects His character. Through Micah's prophecies, the faithful are encouraged to look beyond their present circumstances to the assured future of God's salvation and justice. Nave's Topical Index Micah 7:7Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Nave's Topical Index Library Prefaces to the Commentaries on the Minor Prophets. My God Will Hear Me The Character of Christ's Advent (I. 7). Sacred Poems and Hymns Assurance The Shepherd among his Flock Rest for the Weary Following the Star. Is the Spirit of the Lord Straitened? The Never Changing One. Resources Are we supposed to be actively looking for a spouse? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a spiritual harvest and how can I achieve one? | GotQuestions.org How can I know what God's timing is? | GotQuestions.org Waiting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Waiting for Guidance and Teaching Waiting for the Coming of Christ Waiting for the Consolation of Israel Waiting for the Fulfillment of his Promises Waiting for the Fulfillment of his Word Waiting for the Hope of Righteousness by Faith Waiting in the Way of his Judgments Waiting Upon God: As the Giver of all Temporal Blessings Waiting Upon God: As the God of Providence Waiting Upon God: As the God of Salvation Waiting Upon God: Exhortations and Encouragements To Waiting Upon God: For: Coming of Christ Waiting Upon God: For: Guidance and Teaching Waiting Upon God: For: Hope of Righteous by Faith Waiting Upon God: For: Protection Waiting Upon God: For: Salvation Waiting Upon God: For: The Consolation of Israel Waiting Upon God: For: The Fulfillment of his Promises Waiting Upon God: For: The Fulfillment of his Word Waiting Upon God: God Calls Us To Waiting Upon God: Predicted of the Gentiles Waiting Upon God: Saints Have Expectation From Waiting Upon God: Saints Plead, in Prayer Waiting Upon God: Saints Resolve On Waiting Upon God: should be all the Day Waiting Upon God: should be Continually Waiting Upon God: should be in the Way of his Judgments Waiting Upon God: should be Specially in Adversity Waiting Upon God: should Be with Earnest Desire Waiting Upon God: should Be with Full Confidence Waiting Upon God: should Be with Hope in his Word Waiting Upon God: should Be with Patience Waiting Upon God: should Be with Resignation Waiting Upon God: should Be with the Soul Waiting Upon God: The Patience of Saints often Tried In Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage In are Blessed Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage In are Heard Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Experience his Goodness Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall be Saved Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Inherit the Earth Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall not be Ashamed Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Receive the Glorious Things Prepared by God for Them Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Rejoice in Salvation Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Renew Their Strength Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Wait Upon Him Only Waiting: Especially in Adversity Waiting: Exhortations and Encouragements To Waiting: Predicted of the Gentiles Waiting: Saints Have Expectation From Waiting: Saints Plead, in Prayer Waiting: should be With the Soul Waiting: The Patience of Saints often Tested In Waiting: Those Who Engage In are Blessed Waiting: Those Who Engage In are Heard Waiting: Those Who Engage in Experience his Goodness Waiting: Those Who Engage in Wait Upon Him Only Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will be Saved Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Inherit the Earth Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will not be Ashamed Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Receive the Glorious Things Prepared by God for Them Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Rejoice in Salvation Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Renew Their Strength Waiting: Upon God: As the Giver of all Temporal Blessings Waiting: Upon God: As the God of Providence Waiting: Upon God: As the God of Salvation Related Terms |
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