Micah 7 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Woe is me — The land is brought in complaining, that whereas it was once well stored, now it hath few good in it. As the grape — gleanings — In Israel and Judah, which in bringing forth good men, should have been a fruitful vine full of clusters: just, compassionate and humble men, are as grapes after the vintage is gathered. Desired — But in vain.

Both hands — With all diligence. The great man — The great man at court, who can do what he will there. Uttereth — Is bold to speak plainly. Desire — His unjust, oppressive design. They — They all jointly promote violence and cruelty.

As a briar — Mischievous and hurtful. The day — The day in which they shall sound the alarm. Cometh — Surely, speedily, and unavoidably. Now — When that day is come.

Therefore — Since all sorts of men are so perfidious. Look — As one set in a watch — tower looks round about, and diligently observes all that stirs, so will the prophet; so did they who in Israel and Judah feared the Lord.

Rejoice not — The prophet personates the church. Let it be no matter of glorying to thee, that the day of calamity hath overtaken me. In darkness — When affliction, war, famine, and captivity cover me. A light — Shall support, comfort and deliver me.

Plead — Against mine enemy, now he pleads his own cause against me. His righteousness — The truth and riches of his promised salvation.

She — What nation or people soever. Shall behold — The people of God shall see their enemies laid low.

Thy walls — O Jerusalem. The decree — Of Artaxerxes, which forbad the re — building of the temple. Removed — Abolished.

In that day — After the return out of captivity. He — He who is of Jewish race. To thee — O Jerusalem. The fortified cities — In which many Jews were kept for servile works. To the river — To Euphrates. To sea — From the Caspian to the Persian and to the Midland sea. From mountain — That is, from all parts of their captivity, they shall return to their own country.

Not withstanding — These promises of restitution, which took not place 'till more than two hundred years after.

Feed — So Christ directs his officers. With thy rod — In allusion to the custom of shepherds who guided their sheep by a pastoral staff. In the wood — Protect and guide those that in their present captive state are solitary, compassed with dangers. Carmel — A fruitful place and well inhabited. In Bashan — A place of note for fruitfulness. Gilead — Equal with any of the other for plenty and safety.

Shall be deaf — They shall neither care to hear, nor to speak of it.

Lick the dust — In the most submissive, servile manner, testify their subjection. Holes — Their strong holds, and fastnesses. Because of thee — So that the name of Jews, shall be terrible to their enemies.