The Pulpit Commentary — Micah — Section 109

in the prophetical writinge.(Hos. ix.10; Jer. xxiv.). The meaning, then, is that the good longed for the prevalence of piety in the nation, and to see the people bringincr forth the fruits of righteousness, This is the aspiration of the good in every age. A~ the sculptor ardently desires to see the rough block transformed into the perfect etotue, or the artist to see the bare canvas before him covered with the creations of his genius, or the horticulturist to see the waste field transformed into a garden of delight, a.nd bearing, in in6nite variety, the flowers and fruits; so all good men yearn to see the spiritual transformation of the world. "My soul d~sired the first-ripe figs" (ver.1). 2. This ardently cherished desire was wnrealized. (Ver. 1.) The verse brings vividly before us the sense of disappointment arising from the spiritual barrenness and unpro- ductiveness that prevailed in the land. 'l'he scene presented was not that of an abundant harvest, but of a land bare and barren, whose best days were of yore, i11 which so little good rei;nained as to be but like gleanings when the vintage is over, not even a cluster remaining, "I am as when they have gathered," etc. (ver. 1). And as further illustrating this disappointment, a graphic description is given of the prevailing spiritual desolation.. (1) Mortality and martyrdom had impoverished the land in the removal from it of the tender, the trusty, the true (ver. 2; Isa. !vii. 1). (2) Anarchy reigned, with its accompanying violence, treachery, and injustice (vers. 2, 3). (3) The administration of justice had become a burlesque, its administrators working together, "wrapping it up," weaving it together so as to keep up the form, and to appear jnst, whilst really seeking their own selfish ends (ver. 3), and even "the best" amongst them being "hard and piercing," even as a briar, and "the most upright" being as "a. thorn-hedge which, set for protection, inflicts injnry" (ver. 4). (4) Friendship, " sweet'ner of life and solder of society," had become insincere and unreal ; yea, even the most sacred relationships of life had become perverted, and natural affection sacrificed and changed to hate ~vers. 5, 6). 3. This non-realization occasioned bitter disappointment, "Woe is me!' (ver. 1), A life of piety is marked by the experience of true joy (Ps. i.1-3; Prov. iii. 17). Yet it is not always sunshine even with the good, "If we listen to David's harp, we shall hear as many hearse-like harmonies as carols" (Bacon), And II very large ingredient in the cup of sorrow to the good is occasioned by the. contemplation of the blighting effects of sin. As looking around them, and despite their endeavours tq disseminate truth and righteousness, they see multitudes walking according to the worlJ's maxims, cherishing its spirit and reaping its sad harvest, sorrow fills their hearts, and they become desponding and sad. And hence the lament of the Church in view of her small numbers and the general corruption, as here expressed," Woe ill me!" etc. (ver. 1). II. HER UNSWERVING com•IDENC!'!. (Vere. 7-10.) 1. This confidence rested in God, "Therefore I will look unto the Lord" (ver, 7). In times of seeming non- success in holy service we should cherish unswerving trust in the God of truth, and having faithfully discharged our duty, should commit the rest unto him. 2. This con- fidence was ezpressed in patient waiting for God. He had "spoken good concerning Israel," aad had declared "glorious things" respecting Zion, the city of God. And in the dark days his servants were prepared patiently to wait for the fulfilment of these, even as the mariner waits for fair winds and favourable tide, or as the watchman waits through the long night for the coming of the day. "I will wait for the God of my salvation" (ver. 7). 3, This confidence was sustained by inspiring hope. "My God will hear me." So did hope cast her bow of promise across the stormy cloud and kinJ!e the bright star in the dark sky. 4, This confidence triumphed even in the midst of adversity. The world was very evil, and the good in the land were few. Iniquity appeared to be victorious, and might to triumph over right. The hearts of the pious, full of patriotism and of the love of God, were ~ad; yet their reliance was unshaken and unswerving. Dark days were before them, severe chastisement must be experienced, and they would soon feel the rod of the oppressor and be exposed to tile taunts of the heathen, who would mockingly ask, " Where is the Lord thy God?" But they could rest in the assurance that the Lord would he their Light in darkness; that he would interpose on their behalf, bringing them forth out of the gloom into the light, covering their foes with she.me, and vindicating hi11 own righteousness. " Rejoice not against me," eto. (vers, 8-10), ill. HER ASSURED VICTORY. (Vers. 11-13.) In these verses, speaking, not as the 112 THE BOOK OF MICAII. [on. vu. 1-20: