Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe concept of "waiting upon God" is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, embodying a posture of trust, patience, and expectation in God's timing and providence. In the book of Micah, this theme is intricately woven into the prophet's message to the people of Israel and Judah. Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah, prophesied during a tumultuous period marked by social injustice, idolatry, and impending judgment. His message called for repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness, emphasizing the importance of waiting upon God for deliverance and restoration. Biblical Context Micah's ministry took place during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah (Micah 1:1). The prophet addressed both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, warning them of the consequences of their sins and the impending judgment from God. Despite the dire warnings, Micah also offered hope, pointing to a future where God would restore His people and establish His kingdom. Key Passages One of the central passages in Micah that highlights the theme of waiting upon God is 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." . This verse encapsulates the prophet's personal commitment to trust in God's deliverance despite the surrounding circumstances. It reflects a deep-seated faith that God will act in His perfect timing. Another significant passage is Micah 4:6-7, where the prophet speaks of a future restoration: "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." . Here, the promise of restoration is tied to the assurance that God will fulfill His covenant promises, encouraging the faithful to wait upon Him with hope. Theological Implications Waiting upon God in the book of Micah is not a passive resignation but an active trust in God's character and promises. It involves a confident expectation that God will bring justice and salvation in His appointed time. This waiting is rooted in the understanding of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, as seen in Micah's assurance that "My God will hear me" (Micah 7:7). The call to wait upon God also serves as a counter to the prevailing idolatry and self-reliance of Micah's time. By urging the people to look to the LORD, Micah redirects their focus from false securities to the true source of hope and deliverance. This theme resonates with the broader biblical narrative, where waiting upon God is often associated with spiritual renewal and divine intervention. Practical Application For believers today, the message of waiting upon God as articulated in Micah offers a timeless principle of faith. In times of uncertainty and trial, the call to wait upon the Lord encourages a posture of humility and dependence on God's wisdom and timing. It challenges individuals to trust in God's ultimate plan, even when immediate circumstances seem bleak. Micah's example of waiting upon God serves as a model for personal devotion and communal faithfulness. It invites believers to engage in prayer, seek God's guidance, and remain steadfast in hope, confident that God will fulfill His promises and bring about His purposes in due time. Torrey's Topical Textbook Micah 7:7Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library "But if we Walk in the Light, as He is in the Light, we have ... Rest for the Weary Sacred Poems and Hymns A Doomed People The Consolation My God Will Hear Me "He is the Rock, his Work is Perfect. For all his Ways are ... Is the Spirit of the Lord Straitened? God's Sovereignty Defined The Never Changing One. Resources Why is waiting on God so difficult? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to wait on the Lord? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about patience? | 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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