Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.
Who is a God like unto thee. Micah herein alludes to the meaning of his own name (see Introduction), "Who is a God like the Lord?" This challenge was first given to pagandom and its false gods in the song of Moses, after God had executed judgment on the gods of Egypt first, and then upon Pharaoh at the Red Sea, (Exodus 15:11, "Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?") The prophets were God's champions for the truth against the growing apostasy in Israel. So now in Judah, when the same strife was beginning between Yahweh on one side and the idols and Jewish apostates on the other, Micah is sent forth on the Lord's side to vindicate His incomparable glory and mercy. Heretofore there had been no organized opposition to the prophets of God; as, for instance, none appears in Joel. From Micah's time it is constantly noticed by each successive prophet-Isaiah, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and Jeremiah.
That pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression - not conniving at it, but forgiving it; leaving it unpunished, as a traveler passes by what he chooses not to look into (Proverbs 19:11, "It is his (man's) glory to pass over a transgression"). Contrast Amos 7:8, "I will not again pass by them anymore," and "mark iniquities," Psalms 130:3, "if thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?"
Of the remnant of his heritage? - who shall be permitted to survive the previous judgment: the elect remnant of grace (Micah 4:7; Micah 5:3; Micah 5:7-8, "the remnant of Jacob").
He retaineth not his anger forever - (Psalms 103:9, "He will not always chide; neither will he keep his anger forever;" Isaiah 57:16, "I will not contend forever, neither will I be always wroth").
Because he delighteth in mercy. God's forgiving is founded on His nature, which "delights in loving-kindness," and is averse from wroth.