You
will give truth to Jacob, and mercy to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.
Micah 7:20
Who is a God like you, who pardons iniquity,
and passes over the disobedience of the remnant of his heritage?
He doesn’t retain his anger forever,
because he delights in loving kindness.
He will again have compassion on us.
He will tread our iniquities under foot;
and you will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
Micah 7 [20.] You will give truth to Jacob,
and mercy to Abraham,
as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.
Meaning:
- Truth to Jacob:
The mention of "truth to Jacob" refers to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Jacob, who is also known as Israel. It signifies the reliability of God's word and His commitment to uphold the covenant made with the people of Israel.
- Mercy to Abraham:
"Mercy to Abraham" echoes the divine promise to Abraham, the patriarch from whom the Israelites trace their lineage. This emphasizes God's compassionate and steadfast nature, demonstrating His mercy and grace in fulfilling the covenant made with Abraham.
- As You Have Sworn to Our Fathers:
The phrase "as you have sworn to our fathers" reinforces the idea that God's faithfulness is grounded in His covenantal promises. The reference to "our fathers" connects the present generation to the historical lineage of those who received God's assurances.
- From the Days of Old:
The concluding words, "from the days of old," underscore the timeless nature of God's promises. His commitment to truth and mercy has been a consistent thread throughout the history of His relationship with His people, from ancient times to the present.
Significance:
Faithfulness to Covenant Promises: Micah 7:20 encapsulates the overarching theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The mention of truth and mercy emphasizes not only His reliability but also the multifaceted nature of His commitment to His people.
Connection to Patriarchs: By referencing Jacob and Abraham, Micah draws a direct line from the historical patriarchs to the contemporary audience. This linkage reinforces the continuity of God's faithfulness across generations, assuring the people that they are part of a larger narrative of divine promise.
Cross References:
Genesis 12:2-3: The promise to Abraham is echoed in, "I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great. You will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and I will curse him who curses you. All of the families of the earth will be blessed in you." Micah 7:20 aligns with the enduring nature of this promise.
Genesis 32:28: The name change from Jacob to Israel is a pivotal moment in Genesis 32. The reference to "truth to Jacob" encompasses the entire history of God's dealings with the nation of Israel, acknowledging both their struggles and God's unwavering commitment.
In Conclusion: Micah 7:20 serves as a poetic and powerful conclusion to the book, summarizing the enduring nature of God's promises to the patriarchs. It assures the people of Israel that God's faithfulness, grounded in truth and mercy, extends from ancient times to the present. As we reflect on these words, may they inspire confidence in the unchanging nature of our faithful God and His commitment to fulfill His promises.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible