Micah 7:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In an atmosphere of pervasive dread, the instinct for self-preservation takes precedence over concern for others. Consequently, it is said that on that day when children neglect the love of their fathers, and daughters similarly disregard their mothers, the established laws will be cast aside; in that hour, the mandates of duty will ultimately falter. Neither father nor mother will rebuke their children for sidelining natural obligations when faced with the pressing threat of catastrophe. Cities will face devastation, division, and ruin; some will wage war against this city, others against nearby towns, still others will invade the surrounding territories, pillaging the land from mountain to mountain, and from east to west, north to south, laying waste to the land up to its farthest borders, ‘from Tyre even to the river, and from sea even to sea, and from mountain even to mountain.’ Furthermore, these utterances seemingly suggest that the festivals or sacrifices practiced in idol temples are regarded as valid; for after the cities and homes have been destroyed and all therein plundered, who will uphold the rituals established by law or offer prayers in these temples? This message also calls out to the most obstinate among them—those who consider themselves wise, yet distort the true teachings of the church. Their city fell, and they were scattered among their foes, demonstrating their association with the world’s rulers of this age, described as ‘part of the fox’ (Psalms 62:11), inheriting wickedness and the consequences of rejecting the truth. Likewise, the Jewish people faced this consequence for their egregious mistreatment of Immanuel, casting Him out of the vineyard (Matthew 21:39) and nailing Him to the cross, despite their acknowledgment of Him as the heir. Thus, they experienced ruin and perished without glory, not for any other reason but for ‘the fruit of their endeavours.’ They ought to have glorified the Creator for His immense love for humanity, since 'He also gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life’ (John 3:16); however, they failed to do so and, in their pride, slew the Lord, offering Him ‘evil good things’ (Psalm 34:12) while committing every form of wickedness. Therefore, let them heed the admonition: ‘walk by the light of your fire, and by the flame which you kindle’ (Isaiah 50:11), alongside the exhortation: ‘eat the fruit of your endeavours’ (Isaiah 3:10).

My eyes will behold his defeat, and not after a long time, but now they shall see him trampled like dirt in the streets of our own time.

Up to this point, Jerusalem, or the prophet speaking for the people, has expressed this. Then God responds to Jerusalem. "O Jerusalem, the days have come when your walls will be restored, which were once devastated by the plundering Babylon. In that day, the law will be far removed, that is, an ordinance as interpreted by Simmachus and Theodotion, who use the terms ἐπιταγη and πρόσταγμα. This signifies that you shall no longer be subject to the rule of the Babylonians. In that day, as your barriers are reconstructed, there shall come to you from Assyria and from fortified cities; from the fortified cities, I say, even unto the Jordan, across which the people have crossed before, and from the Red Sea, and from all nations even unto the Dead Sea, which borders your territory, and in Mount Zion from the regions of Persia and Midian, where they were taken captive previously; and the rest of the land will belong to the Chaldeans, those who have utterly devastated you due to the actions of its inhabitants and their wicked deeds.

Even now, the Jewish people anticipate the fulfillment of this prophecy; and in this interpretation, guided by the more prudent among them, particularly regarding the phrase, "In that day the law shall be far off," some speculate, “In that day, when the walls of Jerusalem are restored by Christ, the Scriptures of the Law and the Prophets, presently in our Christian possession, will be taken from us and granted to the people of Judah; however, we maintain that the saying among the Seventy, 'The day of the hewn brick is your defeat,' does not solely refer to Jerusalem but also to Babylon, as we have interpreted it according to the Hebrew text; for it too shall face destruction and be trampled as dust. That day will remove laws; not God's laws, but those that you, O Babylon, have imposed contrary to God’s commandments. And your cities will face the end or division at the time of the Assyrians' assault upon you (since Babylon was a city of the Chaldeans, not the Assyrians). Your fortified cities shall belong to the army of your enemies, extending from Tyre to the Tigris River, enclosing you, from the Great Sea to the Black Sea, which borders your regions along the route to India; and from mountain to mountain, that is, from the mountains of Judah to the mountains of Persia and Midian: all of Mesopotamia, and indeed all the territories within your dominions, shall fall under the control of the foe. Your lands shall be laid waste due to the wicked fruits of your actions.

Where the Seventy have translated: "from Tyre," we understand that the Hebrew text actually reads masor (םעיר). If this term is divided into the preposition ma and the noun sor, it literally means "from Tyre." Yet, if taken as a single word, it conveys "fortification." Finally, other interpreters have translated it as περιοκὴ and περίφραγμα, which indicate "fortification" or "the enclosure of a walled city," rather than "from Tyre," as the Seventy have interpreted. This interpretation, aligned with the Hebrew text, will anticipate, in an excessive manner, the secret desires of carnal Israel and a people destined for reduction.

Now let us shift to a spiritual interpretation, diligently exploring the more challenging passages with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who reveals what He has authored. Jerusalem—defined in my view—as every soul that has the temple of God, the vision of the world, and the understanding of Holy Scriptures established within it; then overcome by sin, carried away into captivity, and subjected to affliction, now speaks against Babylon, saying, "O adversary, do not gloat over my downfall; I have stumbled, but I shall rise: for the Lord raises up the brokenhearted (Ps. 144:14), and through the prophet, He confirms, 'Will not the one who falls rise again?' (Jer. 8:4), and ‘I do not desire the death of the wicked, but that they turn and live’ (Ezek. 33:11). Thus, if you regard me with disdain or despair over my suffering, acknowledge through the prophet Ezekiel that punishments are first appointed to the saints, as it is said, 'Begin at my sanctuary' (Ezekiel 9:6); for though I walk in darkness, the Lord is my light. Even if the rulers of this darkness seek to ensnare me and I dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and if they lead my feet into treacherous paths, yet to those dwelling in darkness and the shadow of death, a light shines and emerges in the darkness (Is. 9:2), and 'The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?' (Psalm 26:1); I will call upon Him with the words, 'Your word, O Lord, is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path' (Psalm 118:105). For He has commanded me, imprisoned in this age’s darkness, 'Let your loins be girded; let your hands be like burning lamps' (Luke 12:35).

In recognition, I shall endure the Lord’s wrath, for I have sinned against Him, while He will judge my cause, execute my justice, and lead me into the light so that I may see His vindication. The current discipline may appear unpleasant and painful, but it ultimately yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it. Therefore, the soul aware of its sinfulness, afflicted by sinful wounds, and dwelling in a lifeless body, needing a cleansing remedy—such a soul continually implores the physician, 'Burn my flesh, sever my wounds, and cleanse all harmful fluids with a purifying drink. My sufferings arise from my transgressions, and thus my intense suffering must bring me to health.' The true physician first demonstrates the purpose behind the remedy and then explains that He acted rightly in the care provided. Ultimately, after enduring suffering and punishment, the soul, emerging from outer darkness through the payment of its debt (Matthew 5:26), declares, 'I will see His righteousness,' proclaiming, 'Your judgments, O God, have been fulfilled.’ If Jesus Christ has been made unto us by God wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption (1 Cor. 1:30), then the individual who perceives that after experiencing God’s anger, he is granted justification, is preparing to behold Christ Himself. But this refers solely to the penitent one. It is more desirable, however, to be free of ailments and not require a physician. Healing does not equate to bliss for those who are healed, but rather it provides relief following illness. Thus, the healed must exercise caution not to sin again, lest worse afflictions beset them. In Leviticus, we read (Leviticus 13:24, 25)—if only we read with discerning eyes, while the covering over the eye does not obstruct the perceptions of the inner eye—leprosy commonly emerges on the scar or wound of a burn, altering the skin's coloration, and a new uncleanness compounds the existing ugliness of the ulcer. This is said so that anyone indifferent to repentance—who, after sinning, asserts, 'I will endure the Lord's wrath for my sins against Him, until He judges my case'—will not find themselves needing healing again and thereby risk being wounded anew. Yet when God brings us into the light, revealing His truth, then our enemy Babylon shall witness, and the one who once mocked, asking, 'Where is your God?' shall be left in disgrace, believing that Jerusalem, after receiving its wounds, could not recover.

The completion of all correction marks the beginning of good; suffering precedes healing, allowing the dirt of our afflictions to become the bricks of our restoration. In that day, old delusions will be cast aside, and your poorly fortified cities shall face destruction or be divided, impelled by the Assyrians. Furthermore, from Tyre—whose name signifies comfort—new forces will arise, and besiegement will stretch even to those indulging in the wealth of this world, igniting lusts in humanity. From sea to sea and from mountain to mountain, fierce conflicts will ignite, causing one sorrow to clash against another, as pride that should be humbled rises in animosity towards another; thus, the saying will truly be realized: 'Come, let us go down and confuse their language, so that none hears the voice of their neighbor' (Gen. 11:7), for it is advantageous for the ungodly powers to be in disarray. When Satan rises against Satan, his kingdom will surely fall (Mk. 12:26). Just as often occurs in vast armies—where, following the overthrow of a tyrant, his followers divide the spoils of power and turn against one another, embroiled in perpetual war—the same will transpire at the world’s conclusion, when the walls of Jerusalem will be restored, Babylon will collapse, and the hordes from Assyria and Tyre, from the rivers, seas, and mountains—all powers of darkness—shall contend against each other. After this division of their kingdom comes the reign of our Lord Jesus, and every knee shall bow to Him, in heaven, on earth, and below the earth, with every tongue confessing that the Lord Jesus is glorified by God the Father (Phil. 2:10, 11). Be assured that the conclusion of this siege will result in the upliftment of the righteous, for the land of Babylon will lie utterly defeated, with all its inhabitants, yielding no more of its fruits.

Therefore, he continues by proclaiming, The day of water and of uproar. Just as turbulent waters crash loudly, this great multitude will attack, leaving the land desolate, resulting in death and enslavement for the inhabitants. The Prophet elucidates the reason for this by stating, from the fruit of their deeds.