Westminster Annotations, Micah 1
ANNOTATIONS ON THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET MICAH.
CHAP. I.
Vers. 1. MIcah] Jerem. 26. 18.
Morasthite] Namely, of some citie called Morasheth, whereof the Scripture maketh no mention: nor cannot be the same, as vers. 14.
which he saw] Amos 1. 1.
Samaria and Jerusalem] The chiefe cities of the two kingdomes, of the ten tribes, and of Judah: and their Princes and heads.
V. 2. Heare, all ye people] Heb. Heare ye people all of them. A figurative manner of calling all creatures, as it were, to a solemne appearance at the judgement, wherein God will judge his people. See Deut. 32. 1. Psal. 50. 1. 4. Isa. 1. 2. Amos 3. 9.
hearken, O earth] Deut. 32. 1. Isa. 1. 2.
all that therein is] Heb. the fulnesse thereof.
be witnesse against you] Will convince you of your sinnes, O ye of Judah and Israel.
from his holy temple] Coming forth as one should say out of heaven; or out of the Temple of Jerusalem, where he is present in his signes of grace and vertue.
V. 3. the LORD cometh] Isa. 26. 21.
place] Psal. 115. 3.
come down] Meaning hereby, that God will come to judgement against the strong cities and holds.
and tread upon] He shall shew himselfe exalted above all worldly greatnesse: Or he shall tread under foot all powers which shall offer to resist him, Amos 4. 13.
high places of the earth] Deut. 32. 13. & 33. 29.
V. 4. the mountains shall be molten] Psal. 97. 5.
a steep place] Heb. a descent.
V. 5. What is the transgression of Jacob] Where is the spring of all these idolatries, and other sinnes of these two kingdomes? Is it not in these two chief cities? and in the Kings, and Princes; and in their courts, which are kept within those cities?
V. 6. I will make Samaria] Chap. 3. 12.
V. 7. the hires thereof] That is, all the riches and goods, which she thought to have gotten, by her unlawfull treaties and leagues with profane nations, and as it were, for a reward given her for consenting to idolatrie. See Hos. 2. 5. 12. & 9. 1.
shall return to] A proverbiall kind of speech: as much as to say, those goods shall go away as they came: that which hath been gotten in the brothell, shall be lost in the brothell. Or the Assyrians, who shall make pr…y of them, shall also take them, as a reward, and gift of their idols.
V. 8. I will wail] Isa. 21. 3. & 22. 4. Jer. 4. 19. The Prophets words having a feeling of the publike calamities.
stript and naked] Namely, in my shirt, or without my outward garment: which was a fashion used in times of extreme sorrow. See Isa. 20. 2. 1 Sam. 19. 24.
wailing like the dragons] Job 30. 29. Psal. 102. 6.
owls] Heb. daughters of the owle.
V. 9. her wound is incurable] Or, she is grievously sick of her wounds. Namely, Samaria's, vers. 6. whereby is meant the whole kingdome of the ten tribes.
it is come unto Judah] The Assyrians after they have conquered and laid wast the ten tribes, shall also lay Judah wast, even to Jerusalem, 2 King. 18. 13. Isa. 8. 8.
the gate of my people, even to Jerusalem] That is, to Jerusalem, the Kings residence: and where Judahs soveraigne Court of justice was held, which the Scripture calleth oftentime gate.
V. 10. Declare ye it] 2 Sam. 1. 20. The meaning is, the peoples calamities shall be so horrible, that it were to be wished that their deadly enemies; such as those of Gath, and other Philistims were, might never heare no news of it: for feare lest they should make triumphs for it, and should aggravate the measure of them by their insultings.
weep ye not at all] Forbear making any shew of your miseries, for feare of giving your enemies occasion of laughter.
Aphrah] That is, dust.
roll thy self in the dust] Thou nation of Israel, in sign of extreme sorrow, Jer. 6. 26. These names of Aphrah and Saphir, &c. are not found any where else; and yet seeme to signifie some noted places; therefore it is likely that they were framed by the Prophet, to make some allusion to the sense of his prophecie: as in stead of Ephraim, that is to say, fruitfulnesse, he saith house of Aphrah, that is to say, of ashes: to shew that this tribe, which was so mighty, should be ruined and brought to ashes. In stead of Samaria, that is, a place of coales, he saith, Saphir, that is, faire: to signifie the glory to which that citie was raised, and from which it should fall. In stead of Sion, he saith Zaanan, that is to say, a place of coming forth: of great concourse of persons going and coming: out of which place, when the Assyrians should over-run the countrey, one should not be able to come out. In stead of Bethel▪ that is to say, the house of God, he saith Bethezel, that is to say, a house of separation: because God should forsake it, as an unclean place. In stead of Ramoth, which signifieth altitudes or heights, he saith Maroth, that is to say, bitternesses, by reason of the great and bitter mourning and lamentation, which should be made in it.
V. 11. Passe ye away] Into captivitie, loaden with reproches.
thou, &c.] Or, thou that dwellest fairly.
inhabitant] Heb. inhabitresse.
shame naked] Isa. 47. 3. Jer. 13. 22.
the inhabitant] 2 King. 18. 13.
Zaanan] Or, the countrey of flocks.
Beth-ezel] Or, a place neare.
his standing] Heb. his presenting. For the Hebrewes when they would say defend one, did say, present himselfe for one. See Exod. 32. 26. Num. 14. 14. Isa. 21. 8. Others, the enemie shall not depart before he hath overcome you, and so you shall pay for his tarrying.
V. 12. waited carefully] Or, was grieved.
the gate of Jerusalem] For Rabshakeh had shut up Jerusalem.
V. 13. bind the chariot] To runne away if thou canst from before the Assyrians, who come to besiege thee, 2 King. 18. 14. 17.
swift beast] That is, horses, and other beasts which could runne very swiftly.
she is the beginning] Hence it appears that Lachish was first infected with the ten tribes idolatrie; and that from thence it passed even to Jerusalem.
V. 14. give presents] Buy the friendship and assistance of this citie of the Philistims, and of other cities of that nation, against the Assyrians: yet all shall be in vain.
to] Or, for.
Achzib] That is, a lie. It appears by Josh. 19. 29. Judg. 1. 31. that this citie was one of those, out of which the Canaanites could not be driven: and it seems that upon this invasion of the Assyrians, the Israelites had made a league with those nations, by whom they were deluded, either through weaknesse, or perfidiousnesse: And Micha among those cities hath made choice of Achzib, by reason of the signification of the name, which is, a lie.
V. 15. will I bring an heir] I will cause the Assyrians to come, who shall make themselves lords of thee, and thy goods.
Mareshah] A citie of Judah, Josh. 15. 44. And this also seems to have been chosen out by reason of the nearnesse which is between the name of heire, and Mareshah. See Mic. 2. 4.
he shall come] Or, the glory of Israel shall come, &c.
Adullam] A citie of Judah, Josh. 15. 35.
glory of Israel] Namely, to Jerusalem, the citie of Gods glorious residence in his Temple: and of the Kings residence in his royall palace.
V. 16. bald] That is, O thou nation of the Jews, make most bitter lamentation. See Job 1. 20. Isa. 3. 24. & 15. 2. & 22. 12. Jer. 7. 29.
eagle] When she changeth her feathers.
CHAP. II.
Vers. 1. THat devise iniquitie] Hos. 7. 6.
upon their beds] Psal. 36. 4.
morning] Assoon as they rise, they execute their wicked devices of the night, and according to their power hurt others.
because] Or, when.
V. 2. fields] Isa. 5. 8.
oppresse] Or, defraud.
V. 3. is evil] Or, will be evil.
V. 4. shall one take up a parable] That is, whilest you shall weep, your enemies and ill-willers shall deride your miseries.
with a dolefull lamentation] Heb. with lamentation of lamentations.
he hath changed the portion of my people] Chap. 1. 15.
how hath he removed it from me] Thus the Jews lament and say that there is no hope of restitution, seeing their possessions are divided among the enemies.
turning away] Or, in stead of restoring.
V. 5. Therefore thou shalt have none] By reason of the sinnes set down, vers. 1, 2. you shall be put out of all right and share in the Church and people of God: whereof the driving out of the holy land shall be a sign.
cast a cord by lot] Deut. 32. 8, 9.
V. 6. Prophesie ye not] Or, prophesie not as they prophesie. Heb. drop, &c. Isa. 30. 10. See concerning this manner of speaking, which is very frequent amongst the Prophets, Ezek. 21. 2. Amos 7. 16. Now these are words of profane men, who would hinder the free exercise of the Prophets office. as Isa. 30. 12. Jer. 11. 12. Amos 7. 13. 16.
they shall not prophesie] Gods reply: that is to say, they shall preach in despite of you, and if it be not for you ye rebels, which wrong them, yet it shall be for the salvation of mine elect. as Isa. 16. 16.
V. 7. O thou that art named the house of Jacob] Is not this an execrable boldnesse in you, to oppose your selves against my Prophets?
spirit of the LORD straitned] Or, shortned. The power and authoritie of my Spirit, which from time to time hath set my Prophets on to preach my word: is it now lessened or weakened, that it should yeeld to your desires? See Jer. 6. 11. & 20. 7. 9. Mic. 3. 8.
are these his doings] The cause of all these evils and threatnings, which are denounced against you by my Prophets, is in you, and not in me, and therefore you wrongfully complain of my Prophets, as if they were the authors of all the evill that befalleth you, Isa. 28. 21. Lam. 3. 33.
do not my words do good] If you will be good men, and beleeve, you shall heare nothing from my Prophets but promises and assurances of graces, and blessings: If you be sinners but corrigible and capable of repentance, you shall have by them healthfull means of conversion.
uprightly] Heb. upright.
V. 8. of late my people is risen] Heb. yesterday. Whereas your forefathers shewed their valour in just warres, you use nothing but thefts and murthers.
with the garment] Heb. over against a garment.
V. 9. women of my people] Or, wives. Namely, the poore women, out of those houses where they had lived all their time in ease, with their husbands and children.
ye taken away my glory] You bring them into such a state of misery and slavery, that the splendour and honour of being my children and members of my people, appears in them no more.
V. 10. Arise ye and depart] Ye have thought to settle your selves in your countrey, in faire and magnificent houses, in rest▪ but I will shortly drive you out into captivitie.
because it is polluted] Levit. 18. 25.
it shall destroy] The pollution of the countrey by publique and reigning sinnes, shall be a cause that ye shall not live in rest nor securitie: but that you shall be driven out and dispersed, as Lev. 18. 25. 28. & 20. 22. Jer. 9. 19. & 10. 18. Ezek. 36. 12.
V. 11. If a man walking in the spirit and falshood] Or, walk with the wind and lie falsely. Namely, false prophets, who say they have divine inspirations, and dally with the people, promising them good, and plenty, are those which they accept of, and hearken unto. See Isa. 30. 10.
V. 12. I will surely assemble] An Evangelicall promise, of gathering together the universall Church, under the kingdome of Christ, Jer. 31. 10. Opposed to the precedent dispersion.
Bozrah] A place in the land of Moab, Jer. 48. 24. abounding in cattel and pastures, 2 King. 3. 4.
V. 13. The breaker is come up before them] I will take away all hindrances, which may hinder the spirituall deliverance of the Church, beating down, and laying plain all manner of oppositions, Isa. 57. 14. & 62. 10.
king shall passe before them] Namely, Jesus Christ, Hos. 1. 11.
CHAP. III.
Vers. 1. I Said,] This is the beginning of a new discourse of the Prophet.
judgement] That thing which is just and lawfull, both to govern my people aright, and also to discharge your own conscience? See Jer. 5. 4, 5.
V. 3. Who shall eat the flesh of my people] Psal. 14. 4. The Prophet condemneth the wicked governours, not only of covetousnesse, theft, and murther, but compareth them to wolves, lions, and most cruell beasts.
and as flesh within the caldron] Ezek. 11. 6, 7.
V. 4. Then shall they cry unto the LORD] Psal. 18. 42. Prov. 1. 28. Jer. 11. 11. & 14. 12. That is, when I shall visit their wickednesse by judgements set down in the former Chapters: for though I heare the godly before they cry, Isa. 65. 24. yet I will not h…are these though they cry, Isa. 1. 15. Ezek. 8. 18. Jam. 2. 13. 1 Pet. 3. 11, 12.
V. 5. concerning the prophets] Isa. 56. 10, 11. Ezek. 22. 25.
bite with their teeth] Chap. 2. 11.
crie, Peace] They devoure all their substance, and then flatter them, promising that all shall go well: but if one restrain from their bellies, then they invent all wayes to mischiefe. Others, who under a false shew of goodnesse and mildnesse, are ravening wolves, both to soul and body, and welfare, Matth. 7. 15.
and he that putteth not] Ezek. 13. 18, 19.
V. 6. Therefore] Ezek. 13. 23. Zach. 13. 4.
night shall be unto you] As you have loved to walk in darknesse, and to prophecie lyes, so God shall reward you with grosse blindnesse and ignorance, so that when all others shall see the bright beames of Gods graces, ye shall as blind men grope as in the night. See Isa. 8. 20. 22.
that ye shall not have a vision] Heb. from a vision.
that ye shall not divine] Heb. from divining.
V. 7. seers shall be ashamed] Namely, the Prophets, though they be false ones. 1 Sam. 9. 9.
shall all cover their lips] Heb. upper lip. In token of mourning and confusion, Lev. 13. 45. Ezek. 24. 17. 22. when God shall discover them to the world, they shall be afraid to speak: for all shall know that they were but false prophets, and did belye the word of God.
V. 8. truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD] The Prophet being assured of his vocation by the spirit of God, setteth himself alone against all the wicked, shewing how God both gave him gifts, abilitie and knowledge, to discern between good and evil, and also constancy to reprove the sinnes of the people, and not to flatter them.
to declare unto Jacob] Isa. 58. 1.
V. 10. build up Zion with bloud] Ezek. 22. 27. Zeph. 3. 3. Heb. blouds. They do fill Jerusalem with stately palaces, built by murder, rapine, and extortion. See Jer. 22. 13.
V. 11. The heads thereof judge for reward] Isa. 1. 23. Hos. 4. 18. Mic. 7. 3.
lean upon the LORD] Though they commit such cruell sinnes, yet they presume that God is for them, and that he will defend them from all evil, as if he were tyed to them, and could not go away from them. See Isa. 48. 2. Jer. 7. 4. Rom. 2. 17.
and say] Heb. saying.
V. 12. ploughed as a field] Jer. 26. 18. Mic. 1. 6.
CHAP. IIII.
Vers. 1. LAst dayes] When Christ shall come, and the Temple shall be destroyed. By this phrase the Prophets do often mean the whole time between Christs coming in the flesh, and his other coming in glory; as Isa. 2. 2.
mountains] That is, the Church (figured by Gods Temple, which stood upon mount Moriah) shall be exalted in spirituall glory, above all worldly States and kingdomes, meant by mountains and little hils. See Psal. 68. 15, 16.
V. 2. teach us of his wayes] He sheweth that there is no true Church, but where the people are taught by Gods pure word.
V. 3. afarre off] By his corrections and threatnings he will bring the people into subjection, which are in the utmost corners of the world, Psal. 2. 8.
plowshares] Joel 3. 10.
pruning-hooks] Or, sithes. They shall abstain from all evill doing, and exercise themselves in godlinesse and in well doing to others.
V. 4. sit every man under his vine] A figurative description of the Churches spirituall peace and securitie under Christs kingdome, Jer. 30. 10. Zach. 3. 10. See on Isa. 2. 4.
for the mouth of the LORD of hosts] This shall certainly come to passe, seeing God hath solemnly promised it.
V. 5 all people will walk every one in the name of his god] It is an usuall, and almost a naturall thing for men to hold the same religion as their forefathers did: but under the Messias it shall be an especiall gift of Gods grace in all true beleevers, that being inlightned in the true faith, and knowledge of the true God, they shall never depart from it.
we will walk in the name of the LORD our God] We will live and persevere in the faith, invocation, and service of God, which shall be revealed unto us, as it were in his own name. See Luk. 10. 12.
V. 6. In that day] Namely, in the Messias his time, I will gather into the sheepfold of my Church my poore dispersed, afflicted, and weak beleevers.
will I assemble her that halteth] Ezek. 34 16.
V. 7. And I will make her that halted] Zeph. 3. 19. My promises, word, and grace, shall be preserved in the reliques of those poore dispersed Israelite, who shall be as it were the seed of my Church, and the hope of reestablishment, which I will accomplish in it due time, with great encrease.
shall reigne over them in mount Zion] Dan. 7. 14. Luk. 1. 33.
V. 8. O towre of the flock] It is the same place which is spoken of Gen. 35. 22. which was neer to Jerusalem, and was afterward called the sheepgate, Neh. 3. 1. and by it is understood the whole citie: a figure of the Church, into which Gods sheep are gathered up in safetie.
the strong hold] It seems to be the place called Ophel: that is to say, strong hold: which was under the Temple, neer to the aforesaid sheep-gate, 2 Chron. 27. 3. Neh. 3. 26. to signifie the inviolable securitie of the faithfull, gathered together into the Church.
first dominion] The kingdome of David, which seemed to be quite overthrown, shall be raised up again in thee, by the spirituall and everlasting kingdome of Christ.
V. 9. why dost thou crie] O Church be comforted: thy King and kingdome is not quite perished, though it seeme to be so, by the Babylonish captivitie: for Christ, thy true everlasting King, shall appear in his time, and shall reestablish his kingdome in thee.
V. 10. Be in pain] Indeed for the present thou hast reason to be perplexed, but take comfort in my promises.
in the field] Wandring, and dispersed out of thy countrey.
V. 11, be defiled] Polluted with bloud and slaughter: See Num. 35. 33. Psal. 106. 38. Sacked without any respect to her ancient holinesse, and all her ornaments taken away from her.
our eye look] Obad. 12.
V. 12. his counsel] Namely, to cleanse and chastife his Church by their means: and afterwards to bruise and thresh the enemies out like corn in a floore. See Isa. 10. 7. & 21. 10. Jer. 51. 33.
V. 13. Arise and thresh] Consume and destroy thine enemies. He attributes to the Church that which Christ her head doth for her, and sometime also by her means. See Isa. 41. 15, 16.
thine horniron] Hereby it should seem are meant the hoofs of beasts, wherewith they used in former times to thresh corn, Deut. 25. 4.
I will consecrate their gain] He alludeth to the interdicts, whereby certain nations were accursed, and all the people condemned to be rooted out, and their goods absolutely to be consecrated to God, Levit. 27. 28. Josh. 6. 17. 19.
CHAP. V.
Vers. 1. GAther thy selfe in troups] O Jerusalem, which hast hitherto been filled with rapines, like unto those which are committed by robbers on the high way: gather all thy forces together, to resist the Chaldeans, if thou canst.
judge of Israel] The citie being taken, the King, and all the great ones, shall be shamefully used by the enemies.
V. 2. Beth-lehem] Matth. 2. 6. Joh. 7. 42.
Ephratah] Gen. 35. 19. Judg. 17. 7.
thou be little] Or, art thou little to be, &c. Though at this time thou be the least, and weakest citie amongst the Tribes of Judah, yet shalt thou be exalted by Christs coming in the flesh. And Saint Matthew hath the same words, to the same sense, with a negation. Thou art not the least, &c. Matth. 2. 6. after the said prophecie was fulfilled.
thousands of Judah] The Tribes of Israel were divided into thousands, whereof every one had a head, or Prince, Judg. 6. 15. 1 Sam. 10. 19. 1 Chron. 12. 20. Zach. 9. 7. Whereupon Saint Matthew in stead of thousands, saith head or governour.
yet out of thee] He comforteth the Church, which was deprived of her earthly King, by the promise of Christs coming, the heavenly, and everlasting King.
whose goings forth] He sheweth that the coming of Christ and all his wayes were appointed of God from all eternitie. Or he was from everlasting come forth from the Father by generation; and by an eternall decree was by him appointed to be a Mediatour.
everlasting] Heb. the dayes of eternity.
V. 3. Therefore] Namely, to fulfill these prophecies.
will he give them up] God shall suffer his people to be subject to foraine Princes and Lords, their enemies, untill Christ be born of a virgin, according to the promises, Gen. 3. 15. Isa. 7. 14.
remnant] To wit, the Gentiles, converted by faith to Christ, and thereby made brothers to the true Israel in spirit; shall be united with them in one body of a Church, under Christ their head.
V. 4. he shall stand] Christ shall do the office of a good shepherd, standing still on foot, and watching for the safeguard of his; employing for their safetie the divine power of his Father: whereby the Church shall rest secure, having the King of the whole world for her protector.
feed] Or, rule.
they shall abi…e] Like sheep in the fold.
for now shall he be great] Namely, at the prefired and appointed time: or within a short space.
V. 5. And this man shall be the peace] Or, he shall be our peace. Ephes. 2. 14. That is, Christ shall be the foundation, authour, and preserver of the true spirituall rest of the Church: and if it be assaulted by the enemies, it shall from him have sufficient means for to withstand them. As if they had raised seven armies, under the command of seven Captaines, against the Assyrians, who were the Jews ancient enemies.
seven shepherds] Having likened the Church to a flock of sheep, he calleth the defenders of it, and all the ministers of her preservation, shepherds, as servants to the great shepherd, who in respect of Christ are also sheep, and members of the Church.
principall men] Heb. princes of men.
V. 6. waste the land of Assyria] Heb. eat up. These whom God shall raise up for the deliverance of his Church, shall destroy Satan and the worlds kingdome, by the sword of Gods word, and all the enemies thereof, which are meant here by the Assyrians and Babylonians, which were the chiefe at that time.
land of Nimrod] See Gen. 10. 10, 11.
in the entrances thereof] Or, with her own naked swords.
V. 7. as a dew] By reason of it multitude, grown up as it were in an instant, and miraculously fallen from heaven, shall be like dew or ram, Psal. 110. 3. Or this remnant or Church, which God shall deliver, shall onelyonly depend on Gods power and defence as doth the grasse of the field, and not on the hope of man.
that tarrieth not for man] Which doth not grow in gardens, nor tilled lands, watered by mens hands: but in deserts mountains, and wild places, that hath no other water but what falleth from heaven, Job 38. 26, 27. Psal. 104. 13.
V. 8. as a lion among the beasts] The faithfull shall be endowed with an invincible force of the Spirit of God, to overcome, and overthrow the devill, the world, and all their enemies, 2 Cor. 10. 4, 5, 6. 1 Joh. 5. 4, 5.
sheep] Or, goats.
V. 10. And it shall come to passe] Zach. 9. 10.
I will cut off thy horses] I will take away all worldly strength from my Church: and cause her to renounce all damnable and unlawfull means to maintain her self; as forceries, and r…course to idols and to idolatrous people, which the people had formerly made use of: because she may put all her trust and confidence in me: and that she may attain the victory over all her enemies, onelyonly by the power of my Spirit. See Hos. 1. 7. Zach. 4. 6.
V. 11. I will cut off the cities of thy land] Namely, the walled and strong cities: to bring them to live in villages and open places. See Ezek. 38. 11.
V. 13. standing images] Or, statues.
V. 14. I will pluck up thy groves] Dedicated to idolatrie, Deut. 16. 21.
cities] Or, enemies.
V. 15. they have not heard] It shall be so terrible that the like hath not been heard of. Others say, he will plague such as have not believed and obeyed he Gospel, 2 Cor. 10. 6.
CHAP. VI.
Vers. 1. ARise] O Micah, debate thou Gods cause against this rebellious and ungratefull people, as it were, in judgement, calling all the creatures to be Judges, seeing their consciences are more insensible then these creatures. See Deut. 32. 1. Isa. 1. 2. Mic. 1. 2.
before] Or, with.
mountains] Isa. 1. 2.
V. 2. hath a controversie] Isa. 1. 18. & 5. 3, 4. & 43. 26.
V. 3. what have I done unto thee] Job 22. 17. Jer. 2. 5. 31.
V. 4. I brought thee up] I have not hurt thee, but bestowed infinite benefits upon thee.
Egypt] Exod. 12 51. & 14. 30.
Miriam] Who had also the gift of prophecie. See Exod. 15. 20, &c. Num. 12. 2.
V. 5. Balak king of Moab] Num. 22. 5. & 23. 7. Deut. 23. 4, 5. Josh. 24. 9, 10. Rev. 2. 14.
consulted] Namely, to make Balaam curse thee, who in stead of that fruitlesse endeavour, perswaded Balak to induce thee to idolatrie and fornication, Rev. 2. 14.
Shittim] After thou wentest astray after Baal-peor, Num. 25. 1. yet I did endure thee, and brought thee into the Land of Canaan: where I renewed my covenant with thee in Gilgal, by circumcision. See Josh. 3. 1. & 5. 2.
righteousnesse] His faithfulnesse in keeping his covenant and promises: Or his infinite mercies.
V. 6. Wherewith shall I come] The Prophet bringeth in the people, desiring to know the true means to appease God, and to be reconciled to him.
calves of a year old] Heb. sonnes of a year.
V. 7. Will the LORD be pleased] Psal. 90. 9. Isa. 1. 11.
body for the sinne] Heb. belly.
V. 8. shewed thee] Deut. 10. 12.
but to do justly] The Prophet in few words calleth them to the observation of the second Table, especially, to know if they will obey God aright or no; saying, that God hath prescribed them to do this. See on Isa. 1. 17.
walk humbly] Heb. humble thy self to walk.
V. 9. The LORDS voyce crieth] The Lord seeing what his people had deserved by their sinnes, doth admonish them by his Prophets, that they should take heed of his judgements, which did hang over them: and by his predictions doth warn and instruct them, not to hold them to be meer casualties, but things proceeding from his providence and justice, that they might prevent them by repentance.
the man of wisdome] Or, thy name shall see that which is.
thy name] Thou thy selfe, as thou hast manifested thy selfe to thy Church by thy proper name, dost judge rightly of the sins of the people, and of the punishments which they deserve therefore.
V. 10. Are there, &c.] Or, is there yet unto every man an house of the wicked &c.
the treasures of wickednesse] Gotten, possessed, and used unjustly, and wickedly.
s…ant measure] Heb. measure of leannesse. To sell by, Amos 8. 5.
abominable] Pro. 11. 2. & 20. 10. 23.
V. 11. Shall I count them pure] Or, shall I be pure with &c.
V. 12. the rich men thereof are full of violence] Namely, of Jerusalem.
V. 13. will I make thee sick] Gods words.
V. 14. Thou shalt eat] Levit 26. 26. Isa. 9. 20. Hos. 4. 10.
thy casting down] That is, thou shalt perish like a building, that sinketh and is ruined by it own weight, having an evill foundation; or being built with bad materials.
take bold] Of some part of thy goods to save them from ruine.
V. 15. sow, but thou shalt not reape Deut. 28. 38. Amos 5. 11. Zeph. 1. 13. Hag. 1. 6.
V. 16. the statutes of Omri are kept] Or, he doth much keep the, &c. Namely, the idolatry brought in by those wicked Kings, 1 King. 16. 25. 32. and to excuse your doings, you alledge the Kings authoritie by his statures.
Ahab] 1 King. 16. 30. &c.
desolation] Or, astonishment.
an hissing] A matter of scorn and derision.
reproch of my people] The ignominious punishment for having profaned the name and title of being my people, and my Church, by your sinnes, Ezek. 36. 20. 23. Rom. 2. 24.
CHAP. VII.
Vers. 1. VVO is me] The Prophets lamentation, because godly men were decaied in the countrey: as if a thirstie and weary traveller could not find any fruit or grapes in the fields or vineyards. See Psal. 12. 1.
when they have gathered the summer fruits] Heb. the gatherings of summer.
the first-ripe fruit] Rare fruits, and therefore most to b… desired, Isa. 28. 4. Hos. 9. 10. The meaning is, that he sought for a good man amongst the people, as for a very rare thing.
V. 2. good man is perished] Or, godly, or mercifull.
they all lie in wait for bloud] He sheweth that the Prince, the Judge, and the rich man are linked together, all to do evill, and to cloake the doings one of another.
V. 3. the prince asketh] Isa. 1. 23. Hos. 4. 18. Mic. 3. 11.
the great man] That is, the rich man that is able to give money, abstaineth from no wickednesse nor injury.
his mischievous desire] Heb. the mischiefe of his soul.
wrap it up] These men agree among themselves, and conspire with one consent to do evill: as by the twisting togethe… of divers threads and strings men do make a strong rope.
V. 4. The best of them is as a brier] Hurtfull and catching; as Psal. 58. 9. Ezek. 2. 6.
the day of thy watchmen] The time of thy punishment foretold by the Prophets, who are called the watchmen, Ezek. 3. 17. and 33. 7. Hos. 9. 8.
perplexitie] That is, confusion and extreme anguish, in stead of the windings and practises of your deceits. See Nah. 1. 10.
V. 5. Trust ye not in a friend] There is no more faith, nor loyaltie, no not even amongst the nearest friends.
a guide] So are they called in Scripture, who by reason of their degree, dutie, or authoritie, are as it were the heads and directors of others: as the husband is of the wife, the schoolemaster of his scholars, and the counseller of the Prince, Psal. 55. 14. Pro. 16. 28. & 17. 9.
keep the doores of thy mouth] Discover not thy secret to thine own wife, Deut. 13. 6. for fear lest she betray thee.
V. 6. the sonne dishonoureth the father] Matth. 10. 21, 35, 36. Luk. 12. 53.
V. 7. Therefore I will look] Namely, I Micah, with all true beleevers, seeing all manner of hope of being relieved by men past, will turn to God by faith, expectation, and prayer.
V. 8. Rejoyce not against me] Words of the Church, incouraged by Gods grace, against all the taunts of the whole multitude of her adversaries the malignant Church.
V. 9. I will bear the indignation of the LORD] With humilitie and patience.
untill he plead my cause] Against mine enemies; who taking no care to execute Gods judgements for my sinnes, have wreaked all their cruelty upon me.
he will bring me forth] As it were out of the low pit of misery, in which I am.
his righteousnesse] His deliverance, the effect of royalty, and love towards me; and of his severe justice towards his and mine enemies.
V. 10. Then she that is mine enemy, &c.] Or, and thou wilt see her that is mine enemy, and cover her with shame.
Where is the LORD thy God] Psal. 79. 10. and 115. 2. Joel 2. 17.
shall she be trodden down] Heb. she shall be for a treading down.
V. 11. In the day that thy wals are to be built] Amos 9. 11, &c.] An Evangelicall promise: The meaning is, when in the Messiah his time I shall reestablish my Church, which hath been as an excluded, and an abandoned possession, Amos 9. 11. I will set her in perfect liberty, freeing her from the commands of all others, but mine own.
V. 12. he shall come, &c.] All nations shall joyn themselves to the Christian Church. See Isa. 19. 23.
and from] Or, even to.
the fortified cities] A countrey which is most strong by nature, being bounded by the sea, and by wildernesses, and moated with great channels of water. The Prophet nameth it so by an allusion to the Hebrew name of Egypt. See Dan. 11. 15, 24.
the river] Namely, Euphrates.
V. 13. Notwithstanding the land shall be desolate] Or, After that it hath been desolate. Of Judea before the coming of Christ in the flesh.
for the fruit of their doings] For the just recompence and punishment of their sinnes.
V. 14. Feed thy people] Or, Rule thy people. The Prophets words to our Saviour Jesus Christ, that he would be pleased to feed, and guide his Church, which is destitute of all humane help, and is exposed to many dangers, like sheep upon the Mountains, and in woods.
of Carmel] Carmel and Bashan were places yeelding fat pastures.
V. 15. will I shew unto him marvellous things] Christs answer, promising to be favourable to his people, as he had been aforetime.
V. 16. they shall lay their hand upon their mouth] They shall hold their peace for fear.
their ears shall be deaf] With the sudden bursting forth of Gods wonderfull and terrible works.
V. 17. They shall lick the dust] They shall be cast down with all their pride, at Gods feet, who shall reigne in his Church. Psal. 72. 9. Isa. 49. 23.
worms] Or, creeping things.
because of thee] O God; or, of thee O Church; when thou shalt be restored to thy glory and splendour by Christ, dwelling and working in thee.
V. 18. that pardoneth iniquitie] Exod. 34. 6, 7.
passeth by the transgression] As though he would not see it, but wink at it.
he retaineth not his anger for ever] Ps. 103. 9. Isa. 57. 16. Jer. 3. 5.
V. 19. thou wilt cast all their sinnes into the depths of the sea] Meaning, of his Elect.
V. 20. the truth to Jacob] The Church is assured, that God will declare in effect the truth of his mercifull promise which he had made of old to Abraham, and to all that should apprehend the promise by faith.