Jehovah’s Servants Have True Hope

“The remaining ones of Jacob must become in the midst of many peoples like dew from Jehovah . . . that does not hope for man.”​—MICAH 5:7.

1. How is spiritual Israel a source of refreshment?

JEHOVAH is the great Maker of rain and dew. It is futile to hope in men for either dew or rain. Wrote the prophet Micah: “The remaining ones of Jacob must become in the midst of many peoples like dew from Jehovah, like copious showers upon vegetation, that does not hope for man or wait for the sons of earthling man.” (Micah 5:7) Who are the present-day “remaining ones of Jacob”? They are spiritual Israelites, the remnant of “the Israel of God.” (Galatians 6:16) To “many peoples” of the earth, they are like refreshing “dew from Jehovah” and “copious showers upon vegetation.” Yes, anointed Christians today are a blessing from God to the people. As Kingdom proclaimers, they are used by Jehovah to give the people his message of true hope.

2. Why do we have true hope despite living in this troubled world?

² It should come as no surprise that this world lacks true hope. Political instability, moral breakdown, crime, economic crisis, terrorism, warfare​—we expect such things in a world dominated by Satan the Devil. (1 John 5:19) Many are afraid of what the future may hold. As Jehovah’s worshipers, however, we are not afraid, for we have a sure hope for the future. It is a true hope because it is based on God’s Word. We have faith in Jehovah and in his Word because what he says always comes true.

3. (a) Why was Jehovah going to take action against Israel and Judah? (b) Why do Micah’s words apply today?

³ The divinely inspired prophecy of Micah strengthens us to walk in Jehovah’s name and gives us a basis for true hope. In the eighth century B.C.E., when Micah prophesied, God’s covenant people were divided into two nations​—Israel and Judah—​and both were ignoring God’s covenant. The result was moral breakdown, religious apostasy, and gross materialism. Hence, Jehovah warned that he would take action against them. Of course, God’s warnings were directed to Micah’s contemporaries. However, the present-day situation is so much like that of Micah’s time that his words also apply now. This will become evident as we consider some highlights of the seven chapters of the book of Micah.

What an Overview Reveals

4. Micah chapters 1 through 3 provide what information?

⁴ Let us take a brief look at the contents of the book of Micah. In Mic chapter 1, Jehovah exposes the revolt of Israel and Judah. As a result of their delinquency, Israel will be destroyed and Judah’s punishment will reach even to the gates of Jerusalem. Mic Chapter 2 reveals that the wealthy and powerful are oppressing the weak and helpless. Yet, there is also a divine promise. God’s people will be gathered together in unity. Mic Chapter 3 reports Jehovah’s pronouncements against the national leaders and the delinquent prophets. The leaders are perverting justice, and the prophets are uttering lies. In spite of this, Micah is empowered by holy spirit to proclaim Jehovah’s coming judgment.

5. What is the gist of Micah chapters 4 and 5?

⁵ Mic Chapter 4 foretells that in the final part of the days, all nations will come to the elevated mountain of the house of Jehovah to be instructed by him. Before that, Judah will be exiled to Babylon, but Jehovah will deliver her. Mic Chapter 5 reveals that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem of Judah. He will shepherd his people and deliver them from oppressive nations.

6, 7. What points are presented in chapters 6 and 7 of Micah’s prophecy?

⁶ Micah chapter 6 records Jehovah’s accusations against his people in the form of a legal case. What has he done to cause them to rebel? Nothing. Actually, his requirements are very reasonable. He wants his worshipers to exercise justice and to be kind and modest as they walk with him. Rather than do that, Israel and Judah have followed a course of revolt and will have to suffer the consequences.

⁷ In the final chapter of his prophecy Mic 7 , Micah denounces the wickedness of his contemporaries. He does not lose heart, however, for he is determined to “show a waiting attitude” for Jehovah. (Micah 7:7) The book concludes with an expression of confidence that Jehovah will have mercy on his people. History testifies that this hope was realized. In 537 B.C.E., when Jehovah’s disciplining of his people was completed, he mercifully restored a remnant to their own land.

8. How would you summarize the contents of the book of Micah?

⁸ What fine information Jehovah reveals through Micah! This inspired book provides warning examples of how God deals with those who claim to serve him but who are unfaithful. It foretells events that are occurring today. And it gives divine counsel about how we should conduct ourselves during these difficult times so as to make our hope firm.

The Sovereign Lord Jehovah Speaks

9. According to Micah 1:2, what was Jehovah going to do?

⁹ Let us now examine the book of Micah in more detail. At Micah 1:2, we read: “Hear, O you peoples, all of you; pay attention, O earth and what fills you, and let the Sovereign Lord Jehovah serve against you as a witness, Jehovah from his holy temple.” If you had been living in Micah’s time, those words would no doubt have captured your attention. Indeed, they do capture your attention because Jehovah is speaking from his holy temple and is addressing not only Israel and Judah but people everywhere. In Micah’s day, people had ignored the Sovereign Lord Jehovah for too long. Soon, that would change. Jehovah was determined to take decisive action.

10. Why are the words of Micah 1:2 of importance to us?

¹⁰ The same is true in our day. Revelation 14:18-20 shows that Jehovah is again communicating from his holy temple. He will soon take decisive action, and momentous events will again rock mankind. This time, the wicked “vine of the earth” will be cast into the great winepress of Jehovah’s anger, to the complete destruction of Satan’s system of things.

11. What is meant by the words of Micah 1:3, 4?

¹¹ Listen to what Jehovah is going to do. Micah 1:3, 4 says: “Look! Jehovah is going forth from his place, and he will certainly come down and tread upon earth’s high places. And the mountains must melt under him, and the low plains themselves will split apart, like wax because of the fire, like waters being poured down a steep place.” Will Jehovah leave his heavenly abode and physically tread the mountains and plains of the Promised Land? No. He does not need to. He will merely have to turn his attention to the earth for his will to be accomplished. Moreover, it is, not the physical landscape, but the inhabitants who will suffer the things described. When Jehovah acts, the result will be disastrous for unfaithful ones​—as if the mountains had melted like wax and the plains had been split apart by an earthquake.

12, 13. In harmony with 2 Peter 3:10-12, what makes our hope secure?

¹² The prophetic words of Micah 1:3, 4 may remind you of another inspired prophecy foretelling disastrous events on earth. As recorded at 2 Peter 3:10, the apostle Peter wrote: “Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a hissing noise, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be discovered.” Similar to Micah’s prophecy, Peter’s words do not apply to the literal heavens and earth. They refer to a great tribulation coming upon this ungodly system of things.

¹³ Despite that coming disaster, Christians can have confidence in the future, just as Micah did. How? By following the counsel found in the succeeding verses of Peter’s letter. The apostle exclaims: “What sort of persons ought you to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah!” (2 Peter 3:11, 12) Our hope for the future will be certain if we cultivate an obedient heart and make sure that our conduct is holy and our life is filled with deeds of godly devotion. To make our hope secure, we must also remember that Jehovah’s day will definitely come.

14. Why did Israel and Judah deserve punishment?

¹⁴ Jehovah explains why his ancient people deserve to be punished. Micah 1:5 states: “It is because of the revolt of Jacob that there is all this, even because of the sins of the house of Israel. What is the revolt of Jacob? Is it not Samaria? And what are the high places of Judah? Are they not Jerusalem?” Israel and Judah owe their very existence to Jehovah. Yet, they have rebelled against him, and their rebellion reaches right into their respective capital cities, Samaria and Jerusalem.

Wicked Practices Abound

15, 16. Micah’s contemporaries were guilty of what wicked deeds?

¹⁵ An example of the wickedness of Micah’s contemporaries is vividly described at Micah 2:1, 2: “Woe to those who are scheming what is harmful, and to those practicing what is bad, upon their beds! By the light of the morning they proceed to do it, because it is in the power of their hand. And they have desired fields and have seized them; also houses, and have taken them; and they have defrauded an able-bodied man and his household, a man and his hereditary possession.”

¹⁶ Greedy individuals lie awake at night scheming how to seize their neighbors’ fields and houses. In the morning, they hasten to carry out their schemes. They would not commit such wicked deeds if they remembered Jehovah’s covenant. The Mosaic Law contains provisions to protect the poor. Under it, no family should permanently lose possession of its inheritance. However, that does not concern those greedy individuals. They ignore the words of Leviticus 19:18, which says: “You must love your fellow as yourself.”

17. What can happen when those claiming to serve God put material things first in life?

¹⁷ This shows what can happen when people who claim to serve God lose sight of spiritual goals and seek first material things. Paul warned Christians of his day: “Those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin.” (1 Timothy 6:9) When a person makes the gaining of money his chief goal in life, he is, in effect, worshiping a false god​—Mammon, or Riches. That false god offers no sure hope for the future.​—Matthew 6:24, footnote.

18. What was going to happen to materialists in Micah’s day?

¹⁸ Many in Micah’s day learn the hard way that relying on material things is mere vanity. According to Micah 2:4, Jehovah says: “In that day one will raise up concerning you people a proverbial saying and will certainly lament a lamentation, even a lamentation. One will have to say: ‘We have positively been despoiled! The very portion of my people he alters. How he removes it from me! To the unfaithful one he apportions out our own fields.’” Yes, those stealers of homes and fields will lose their own family inheritance. They will be deported to a foreign land, and their possessions will become the spoil of “the unfaithful,” or people of the nations. All hopes for a prosperous future will be dashed.

19, 20. What was the experience of Jews who trusted in Jehovah?

¹⁹ However, the hope of those who trust in Jehovah will not be disappointed. Jehovah is faithful to his covenants with Abraham and David, and he has mercy on those who, like Micah, love him and grieve over the alienation of their countrymen from God. For the sake of upright ones, there will be a restoration in God’s due time.

²⁰ That happens in 537 B.C.E., after Babylon falls and when a remnant of Jews return to their homeland. At that time, the words of Micah 2:12 have an initial fulfillment. Jehovah says: “I shall positively gather Jacob, all of you; I shall without fail collect the remaining ones of Israel together. In unity I shall set them, like a flock in the pen, like a drove in the midst of its pasture; they will be noisy with men.” How loving Jehovah is! After disciplining his people, he allows a remnant to return and serve him in the land he gave to their forefathers.

Striking Parallels in Our Day

21. How do present-day conditions compare with those in Micah’s day?

²¹ As we considered the first two chapters of Micah chapters 1, 2, were you struck by how much things are the same today? As in Micah’s time, many now claim to serve God. Like Judah and Israel, however, they are divided and have even fought wars among themselves. Many of the wealthy in Christendom have oppressed the poor. More and more, religious leaders condone practices that are expressly condemned in the Bible. No wonder Christendom will soon come to her end along with the rest of “Babylon the Great,” the world empire of false religion! (Revelation 18:1-5) Following the pattern of Micah’s time, though, Jehovah will have faithful servants remaining on earth.

22. What two groups have placed their hope in God’s Kingdom?

²² In 1919, faithful anointed Christians made a final break with Christendom and set out to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom to all the nations. (Matthew 24:14) To start with, they sought out remaining ones of spiritual Israel. Then “other sheep” began to be gathered, and the two groups became “one flock, one shepherd.” (John 10:16) Although they now serve God in 234 lands, all these faithful worshipers of Jehovah have truly been set “in unity.” By now, the sheep pen is “noisy with men,” as well as with women and children. Their hope is, not in this system of things, but in God’s Kingdom, which will shortly lead to an earthly paradise.

23. Why are you convinced that your hope is sure?

²³ Concerning the faithful worshipers of Jehovah, the final verse of Micah chapter 2 verse 13 says: “Their king will pass through before them, with Jehovah at the head of them.” Do you see yourself in that triumphal procession, following your King, Jesus Christ, with Jehovah himself at the head? If so, you can have the conviction that victory is certain and your hope is sure. This will become even more evident as we consider further highlights of Micah’s prophecy.

We Will Walk in Jehovah’s Name Forever!

“We . . . shall walk in the name of Jehovah our God to time indefinite, even forever.”​—MICAH 4:5.

1. What messages are set out in Micah chapters 3 through 5?

JEHOVAH has something to tell his people, and he is using Micah as his prophet. It is God’s purpose to take action against wrongdoers. He is going to punish Israel for her apostasy. Happily, though, Jehovah will bless those who walk in his name. These messages ring out in chapters 3 through 5 of Micah’s prophecy.

2, 3. (a) Leaders of Israel should display what quality, but what are they actually doing? (b) How would you explain the figures of speech used at Micah 3:2, 3?

² God’s prophet declares: “Hear, please, you heads of Jacob and you commanders of the house of Israel. Is it not your business to know justice?” Yes, that is supposed to be their business, but what are they really doing? Says Micah: “You haters of what is good and lovers of badness, tearing off their skin from people and their organism from off their bones; you the ones who have also eaten the organism of my people, and have stripped their very skin from off them, and smashed to pieces their very bones, and crushed them to pieces like what is in a widemouthed pot and like flesh in the midst of a cooking pot.”​—Micah 3:1-3.

³ Why, the leaders are oppressing the poor, defenseless people! The figures of speech used here are easily understood by those who hear Micah. When a slaughtered sheep is prepared by boiling, it is first skinned and then disjointed. Sometimes the bones are cracked open to free the marrow. Both the flesh and the bones are boiled in a large vessel, like the one mentioned by Micah. (Ezekiel 24:3-5, 10) What a fitting illustration of the abusive treatment the people in Micah’s day are experiencing at the hands of their evil leaders!

Jehovah Expects Us to Be Just

4. What contrast exists between Jehovah and Israel’s leaders?

⁴ There is a striking contrast between the loving Shepherd, Jehovah, and Israel’s leaders. Because they do not exercise justice, they fail to fulfill their commission to protect the flock. Instead, they selfishly exploit the figurative sheep, depriving them of justice and subjecting them to “acts of bloodshed,” as noted at Micah 3:10. What can we learn from this situation?

5. Jehovah expects what of those taking the lead among his people?

⁵ God expects justice to be exercised by those taking the lead among his people. This is what we find to be true of Jehovah’s servants today. Moreover, this harmonizes with Isaiah 32:1, where we read: “Look! A king will reign for righteousness itself; and as respects princes, they will rule as princes for justice itself.” In Micah’s day, however, what do we find? “Haters of what is good and lovers of badness” persist in perverting justice.

Whose Prayers Are Answered?

6, 7. What important point is highlighted at Micah 3:4?

⁶ Can Micah’s wicked contemporaries expect Jehovah’s favor? Of course not! Micah 3:4 states: “They will call to Jehovah for aid, but he will not answer them. And he will conceal his face from them in that time, according as they committed badness in their dealings.” This highlights a very important point.

⁷ Jehovah will not answer our prayers if we practice sin. That is certainly so if we are living a double life, concealing our wrongdoing while pretending to serve God faithfully. According to Psalm 26:4, David sang: “I have not sat with men of untruth; and with those who hide what they are I do not come in.” How much less will Jehovah answer the prayers of those who deliberately violate his Word!

Empowered by God’s Spirit

8. The false prophets of Micah’s time were warned of what?

⁸ What deplorable practices are common among Israel’s spiritual leaders! False prophets cause God’s people to wander spiritually. The greedy leaders call out “Peace!” but actually sanctify war against anyone who does not put something into their mouths. “Therefore,” says Jehovah, “you men will have night, so that there will be no vision; and darkness you will have, so as not to practice divination. And the sun will certainly set upon the prophets, and the day must get dark upon them. And the visionaries will have to be ashamed, and the diviners will certainly be disappointed. And they will have to cover over the mustache.”​—Micah 3:5-7a.

9, 10. What is meant by ‘covering over the mustache,’ and why does Micah have no reason to do such a thing?

⁹ Why “cover over the mustache”? This is something that Micah’s wicked contemporaries do out of shame. And these evil men ought to be ashamed. “There is no answer from God,” as far as they are concerned. (Micah 3:7b) Jehovah pays no attention to the prayers of any haughty wicked ones.

¹⁰ Micah has no reason to “cover over the mustache.” He is not ashamed. Jehovah answers his prayers. Notice Micah 3:8, where the faithful prophet says: “On the other hand, I myself have become full of power, with the spirit of Jehovah, and of justice and mightiness.” How thankful Micah is that throughout his long and faithful ministry, he has always been “full of power, with the spirit of Jehovah”! This has given him the strength “to tell to Jacob his revolt and to Israel his sin.”

11. How are humans empowered to declare God’s messages?

¹¹ Micah needs more than human strength in order to proclaim God’s message of adverse judgment. Jehovah’s spirit, or powerful active force, is vital. What about us? Our preaching commission can be fulfilled only if Jehovah strengthens us by means of his holy spirit. Attempts to preach are sure to fail utterly if we willfully practice sin. In that case God could not answer our prayers for strength to do this work. We certainly cannot declare our heavenly Father’s judgment messages unless “the spirit of Jehovah” rests upon us. Through prayers that are heard and with the help of the holy spirit, we are able to speak God’s word courageously like Micah.

12. Why could Jesus’ early disciples ‘keep speaking God’s word with all boldness’?

¹² Perhaps you recall the account at Acts 4:23-31. Imagine that you are one of Jesus’ first-century disciples. Fanatic persecutors have been seeking to still the lips of Christ’s followers. But these loyal ones pray to their Sovereign Lord, pleading: “Jehovah, give attention to their threats, and grant your slaves to keep speaking your word with all boldness.” The result? When they make supplication, the place in which they are gathered together is shaken, and they are one and all filled with the holy spirit and speak the word of God with boldness. May we therefore prayerfully look to Jehovah and rely on his help by holy spirit as we carry out our ministry.

13. What will happen to Jerusalem and Samaria, and why?

¹³ Think again of Micah’s day. According to Micah 3:9-12, the bloodguilty rulers judge for a bribe, the priests instruct for a price, and the false prophets practice divination for money. No wonder God has decreed that Judah’s capital, Jerusalem, “will become mere heaps of ruins”! Since false worship and moral corruption flourish also in Israel, Micah is inspired to warn that God will make Samaria “a heap of ruins.” (Micah 1:6) In fact, the prophet lives to see the foretold destruction of Samaria by Assyrian hordes in 740 B.C.E. (2 Kings 17:5, 6; 25:1-21) It is evident that these powerful messages against Jerusalem and Samaria could be delivered only in Jehovah’s strength.

14. How was the prophecy recorded at Micah 3:12 fulfilled, and how should that affect us?

¹⁴ Judah certainly cannot escape Jehovah’s adverse judgment. In fulfillment of the prophecy recorded at Micah 3:12, Zion will be “plowed up as a mere field.” From our 21st-century vantage point, we know that these things took place when the Babylonians brought devastation upon Judah and Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. This occurred years after Micah prophesied, but he was sure that it was coming. Surely we should be just as confident that the present wicked system of things will end in the foretold “day of Jehovah.”​—2 Peter 3:11, 12.

Jehovah Sets Matters Straight

15. In your own words, how would you describe the prophecy recorded at Micah 4:1-4?

¹⁵ Looking back, we see that Micah next delivers a thrilling message of hope. What heartening words we find at Micah 4:1-4! Says Micah, in part: “It must occur in the final part of the days that the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills; and to it peoples must stream. . . . And he will certainly render judgment among many peoples, and set matters straight respecting mighty nations far away. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. They will not lift up sword, nation against nation, neither will they learn war anymore. And they will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making them tremble; for the very mouth of Jehovah of armies has spoken it.”

16, 17. How is Micah 4:1-4 being fulfilled today?

¹⁶ Who are the “many peoples” and the “mighty nations” mentioned here? They are not the nations and governments of this world. Rather, the prophecy applies to individuals out of all nations who turn to united sacred service in Jehovah’s mountain of true worship.

¹⁷ In keeping with Micah’s prophecy, the clean worship of Jehovah will soon be practiced in the fullest sense earth wide. Today, people “rightly disposed for everlasting life” are being instructed in Jehovah’s ways. (Acts 13:48) Jehovah is rendering judgment and setting matters straight spiritually for believers who take their stand for the Kingdom. They will survive “the great tribulation” as part of the “great crowd.” (Revelation 7:9, 14) Having beaten their swords into plowshares, even today they live at peace with fellow Witnesses of Jehovah and with others. What a delight to be among them!

Determined to Walk in Jehovah’s Name

18. What is symbolized by ‘sitting under one’s own vine and fig tree’?

¹⁸ In our day, when fear covers the earth like an ominous cloud, we are thrilled that many are learning Jehovah’s ways. We long for the time now near at hand when all such lovers of God will learn war no more but will sit under their own vine and fig tree. Fig trees are often planted in vineyards. (Luke 13:6) Sitting under one’s own vine and fig tree symbolizes peaceful, prosperous, and secure conditions. Even now, our relationship with Jehovah gives us peace of mind and spiritual security. When such circumstances exist under Kingdom rule, we will be unafraid and totally secure.

19. What does it mean to walk in Jehovah’s name?

¹⁹ To enjoy divine favor and blessing, we must walk in Jehovah’s name. This is powerfully expressed at Micah 4:5, where the prophet declares: “All the peoples, for their part, will walk each one in the name of its god; but we, for our part, shall walk in the name of Jehovah our God to time indefinite, even forever.” Walking in Jehovah’s name does not mean merely saying that he is our God. It calls for more than our participation in Christian meetings and the Kingdom-preaching work, although such activities are also vital. If we are walking in Jehovah’s name, we are dedicated to him and are endeavoring to serve him faithfully out of whole-souled love. (Matthew 22:37) And as his worshipers, surely we are determined to walk in the name of Jehovah our God to all eternity.

20. What was foretold at Micah 4:6-13?

²⁰ Now please consider the prophetic words of Micah 4:6-13. “The daughter of Zion” has to go into exile “as far as to Babylon.” That is exactly what happened to inhabitants of Jerusalem in the seventh century B.C.E. Nevertheless, Micah’s prophecy indicates that a remnant is to return to Judah, and at Zion’s restoration Jehovah will see to it that her enemies are pulverized.

21, 22. How was Micah 5:2 fulfilled?

²¹ Other dramatic developments are foretold in Micah chapter 5. For instance, note what is said at Micah 5:2-4. Micah prophesies that a God-appointed Ruler​—one “whose origin is from early times”—​will come out of Bethlehem. He will rule as a shepherd “in the strength of Jehovah.” Moreover, this Ruler will be great, not just in Israel, but to “the ends of the earth.” His identity may befuddle the world in general, but it is no mystery to us.

²² Who was the most important person ever born in Bethlehem? And who will “be great as far as the ends of the earth”? None other than the Messiah, Jesus Christ! When Herod the Great asked the chief priests and the scribes where the Messiah was to be born, they answered: “In Bethlehem of Judea.” They even quoted the words of Micah 5:2. (Matthew 2:3-6) Some of the common people knew this too, for John 7:42 quotes them as saying: “Has not the Scripture said that the Christ is coming from the offspring of David, and from Bethlehem the village where David used to be?”

True Refreshment for the People

23. What is now happening in fulfillment of Micah 5:7?

²³ Micah 5:5-15 refers to an Assyrian invasion that will meet with only fleeting success and points out that God will execute vengeance upon disobedient nations. Micah 5:7 promises the restoration of a repentant Jewish remnant to their homeland, but these words also apply to our day. Micah declares: “The remaining ones of Jacob must become in the midst of many peoples like dew from Jehovah, like copious showers upon vegetation.” This lovely symbolism is used to foretell that the remnant of spiritual Jacob, or Israel, will be a blessing from God to the people. Jesus’ “other sheep,” who have an earthly hope, are delighted to serve shoulder to shoulder with the modern-day remnant of “the Israel of God,” helping to refresh others spiritually. (John 10:16; Galatians 6:16; Zephaniah 3:9) In this regard, there is a significant point for reflection. As Kingdom proclaimers, all of us should cherish our privilege of bringing true refreshment to others.

24. What points from Micah chapters 3 through 5 have impressed you?

²⁴ What have you gleaned from chapters 3 through 5 of Micah’s prophecy? Perhaps such points as these: (1) God expects justice to be exercised by those taking the lead among his people. (2) Jehovah will not answer our prayers if we willfully practice sin. (3) Our preaching commission can be fulfilled only if God strengthens us by means of his holy spirit. (4) To enjoy divine favor, we must walk in Jehovah’s name. (5) As Kingdom proclaimers, we should cherish our privilege of bringing true refreshment to the people. Other points may have made an impression on you. What else can we learn from this prophetic Bible book? The next article will help us to draw practical lessons from the last two chapters of Micah’s faith-strengthening prophecy Mic chapters 6, 7.

What Does Jehovah Expect of Us?

“What is Jehovah asking back from you but to exercise justice and to love kindness and to be modest in walking with your God?”​—MICAH 6:8.

1, 2. Why may some servants of Jehovah become discouraged, but what should prove helpful?

VERA is a faithful Christian about 75 years of age and in poor health. “Sometimes,” she says, “I look out the window and see my Christian brothers and sisters preaching from house to house. It brings tears to my eyes because I want to be with them, but sickness limits my service to Jehovah.”

² Have you ever felt like that? Of course, all who love Jehovah want to walk in his name and meet his requirements. Yet, what if we have declining health, are advanced in years, or have family responsibilities? We may be somewhat discouraged because such circumstances may prevent us from doing all that our heart yearns to do in God’s service. If this is our situation, a consideration of Micah chapters 6 and 7 is likely to prove very encouraging. These chapters show that Jehovah’s requirements are reasonable as well as reachable.

How God Treats His People

3. How does Jehovah treat the rebellious Israelites?

³ Let us first look at Micah 6:3-5 and note how Jehovah treats his people. Remember that in Micah’s time the Israelites are rebellious. Even so, Jehovah compassionately addresses them with the words, “O my people.” He pleads: “O my people, remember, please.” Rather than harshly accuse them, he tries to reach their heart by asking, “What have I done to you?” He even encourages them to “testify against” him.

4. God’s example of compassion should have what effect on us?

⁴ What an example God sets for all of us! He compassionately called even the rebellious people of Israel and Judah of Micah’s day “my people” and addressed them with the term “please.” Certainly, then, we should display compassion and kindness in our dealings with those who are a part of the congregation. Granted, some may not be easy to get along with, or they may be spiritually weak. If they love Jehovah, however, we want to help them and show them compassion.

5. What basic point is made at Micah 6:6, 7?

⁵ Next, let us turn to Micah 6:6, 7. Micah asks a series of questions, saying: “With what shall I confront Jehovah? With what shall I bow myself to God on high? Shall I confront him with whole burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will Jehovah be pleased with thousands of rams, with tens of thousands of torrents of oil? Shall I give my firstborn son for my revolt, the fruitage of my belly for the sin of my soul?” No, it is not possible to please Jehovah “with thousands of rams, with tens of thousands of torrents of oil.” But there is something that will please him. What is that?

We Must Exercise Justice

6. What three divine requirements are set out at Micah 6:8?

⁶ At Micah 6:8, we learn what Jehovah expects of us. Micah asks: “What is Jehovah asking back from you but to exercise justice and to love kindness and to be modest in walking with your God?” These three requirements involve how we feel, think, and act. We must feel inclined to show these qualities, think about how to manifest them, and take action to display them. Let us consider these three requirements one at a time.

7, 8. (a) What does it mean “to exercise justice”? (b) What injustices are rampant in Micah’s day?

⁷ “To exercise justice” means to do what is right. God’s way of doing things is the standard of justice. Micah’s contemporaries, however, exercise not justice but injustice. In what ways? Consider Micah 6:10. At the end of that verse, merchants are described as using a “scrimped ephah measure,” that is, one that is too small. Mic 6 Verse 11 adds that they employ “deceptive stone weights.” And according to Mic 6 verse 12, “their tongue is tricky.” Thus, false measures, false weights, and false speech are rampant in the commercial world of Micah’s day.

⁸ Unjust practices are not limited to the marketplace. They are also common in court. Micah 7:3 indicates that “the prince is asking for something, and the one who is judging does so for the reward.” Bribes are given to judges so that they will impose unjust sentences upon innocent people. “The great one,” or influential citizen, joins in the crimes. In fact, Micah says that the prince, the judge, and the great man “interweave,” or coordinate, their wicked deeds.

9. How are Judah and Israel affected by the injustices practiced by the wicked?

⁹ The injustices practiced by the wicked leaders affect all of Judah and Israel. Micah 7:5 notes that a lack of justice has led to a lack of trust between companions, confidential friends, and even marriage mates. Mic 7 Verse 6 indicates that this has led to a state of affairs wherein relatives as close as sons and fathers, daughters and mothers, despise one another.

10. In the present-day climate of injustice, how do Christians conduct themselves?

¹⁰ What about today? Do we not see similar conditions? Like Micah, we are surrounded by a lack of justice, an atmosphere of distrust, and a breakdown of social and family life. Yet, as God’s servants in the midst of this unrighteous world, we do not allow the spirit of this world’s unjust dealings to infiltrate the Christian congregation. Rather, we strive to uphold the principles of honesty and integrity, displaying these in our daily affairs of life. Indeed, we “conduct ourselves honestly in all things.” (Hebrews 13:18) Do you not agree that by exercising justice we enjoy rich blessings resulting from a brotherhood that manifests real trust?

How Do People Hear “the Very Voice of Jehovah”?

11. How is Micah 7:12 being fulfilled?

¹¹ Micah prophesies that despite unjust conditions, justice will reach all sorts of people. The prophet foretells that people will be gathered “from sea to sea, and from mountain to the mountain” to become worshipers of Jehovah. (Micah 7:12) Today, in the final fulfillment of this prophecy, not one particular nation, but individuals of all nations are benefiting from God’s impartial justice. (Isaiah 42:1) How is this proving true?

12. How is “the very voice of Jehovah” being heard today?

¹² For an answer, consider Micah’s earlier words. Micah 6:9 states: “To the city the very voice of Jehovah calls out, and the person of practical wisdom will fear your name.” How do people of all nations hear “the very voice of Jehovah,” and how does this relate to our exercising of justice? Of course, people today do not literally hear God’s voice. Through our worldwide preaching work, however, Jehovah’s voice is being heard by individuals of all races and walks of life. As a result, those who listen ‘fear God’s name,’ coming to have reverential regard for it. We are certainly acting in a just and loving way by serving as zealous Kingdom proclaimers. By making known God’s name to everyone without partiality, we “exercise justice.”

We Must Love Kindness

13. What is the difference between loving-kindness and love?

¹³ Next, let us discuss the second requirement mentioned at Micah 6:8. Jehovah expects us “to love kindness.” The Hebrew word translated “kindness” is also rendered “loving-kindness,” or “loyal love.” Loving-kindness is an active regard for others, a compassionate concern for them. Loving-kindness differs from the quality of love. How so? Love is a broader term, one that can be extended even to things and concepts. For instance, the Scriptures speak of a person who “is loving wine and oil” and of a man who “is loving wisdom.” (Proverbs 21:17; 29:3) On the other hand, loving-kindness always involves people, especially those serving God. Micah 7:20 therefore speaks of “the loving-kindness given to Abraham”​—a man who served Jehovah God.

14, 15. How is loving-kindness shown, and what evidence of it is cited?

¹⁴ According to Micah 7:18, the prophet says that God “is delighting in loving-kindness.” At Micah 6:8, we are told not merely to show loving-kindness but to love that quality. What do we learn from these scriptures? Loving-kindness is shown willingly and freely because we want to show it. Like Jehovah, we find pleasure, or delight, in showing loving-kindness to those in need.

¹⁵ Today, such loving-kindness is a mark of God’s people. Consider just one example. In June of 2001, a tropical storm caused massive flooding in Texas, U.S.A., damaging thousands of homes, including hundreds of homes of Jehovah’s Witnesses. To help their Christian brothers in need, some 10,000 Witnesses willingly and freely offered their time and energy. For more than half a year, volunteers worked tirelessly, using their days, nights, and weekends to rebuild 8 Kingdom Halls and over 700 homes for their Christian brothers. Those who could not do such work donated food, supplies, and money. Why did all these thousands of Witnesses come to the aid of their brothers? Because they “love kindness.” And how heartwarming it is to know that such deeds of loving-kindness are shown by our brothers worldwide! Yes, meeting the requirement to “love kindness” is, not a burden, but a joy!

Be Modest in Walking With God

16. What illustration helps to emphasize the need to be modest in walking with God?

¹⁶ The third requirement found at Micah 6:8 is “to be modest in walking with your God.” This means to recognize our limitations and to depend on God. To illustrate: Picture for a moment a little girl holding on tightly to the hand of her father while they walk through a storm. The girl well knows that her strength is limited, but she has confidence in her father. We too must know our limitations but have confidence in our heavenly Father. How can we maintain this confidence? For one thing, by keeping in mind why it is wise to stay close to God. Micah reminds us of three reasons: Jehovah is our Deliverer, our Guide, and our Protector.

17. How did Jehovah deliver, guide, and protect his people of ancient times?

¹⁷ According to Micah 6:4, 5, God says: “I brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” Yes, Jehovah was Israel’s Deliverer. Jehovah further says: “I proceeded to send before you Moses, Aaron and Miriam.” Moses and Aaron were used to guide the nation, and Miriam led the women of Israel in a victory dance. (Exodus 7:1, 2; 15:1, 19-21; Deuteronomy 34:10) Jehovah provided guidance by means of his servants. In Mic 6 verse 5, Jehovah reminds the nation of Israel that he protected them against Balak and Balaam and that he shielded the Israelites during the last leg of their journey from Shittim in Moab to Gilgal in the Promised Land.

18. How does God act as our Deliverer, Guide, and Protector today?

¹⁸ As we walk with God, he delivers us from Satan’s world, guides us by means of his Word and his organization, and protects us as a group when we are under attack by opposers. We thus have ample reason to hold on tightly to the hand of our heavenly Father as we walk with him through the stormy final leg of our journey to something far greater than the ancient Promised Land​—God’s righteous new world.

19. In what way is modesty related to our limitations?

¹⁹ Being modest in walking with God helps us to have a realistic view of our circumstances. This is so because displaying modesty includes being aware of our limitations. Advanced age or failing health may place certain limits on what we can do in Jehovah’s service. Instead of allowing this to discourage us, however, it is good to remember that God accepts our efforts and sacrifices ‘according to what we have, not according to what we do not have.’ (2 Corinthians 8:12) Indeed, Jehovah expects us to serve him in a whole-souled way, doing whatever our circumstances allow. (Colossians 3:23) When we earnestly and zealously do all we can in his service, God blesses us richly.​—Proverbs 10:22.

A Waiting Attitude Brings Blessings

20. Being aware of what should help us to display a waiting attitude like that of Micah?

²⁰ Experiencing Jehovah’s blessing moves us to imitate Micah’s spirit. He declares: “I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation.” (Micah 7:7) How do these words relate to our walking modestly with God? Having a waiting attitude, or patience, helps us to avoid feeling disappointed that Jehovah’s day has not yet come. (Proverbs 13:12) Frankly, we all long for the end of this wicked world. However, every week thousands of people are just beginning to walk with God. Knowing that gives us a reason for showing a waiting attitude. One longtime Witness said in this connection: “Looking back over 55 years in the preaching work, I am convinced that I have not lost anything by waiting on Jehovah. On the contrary, I have been spared many heartaches.” Have you had a similar experience?

21, 22. How is Micah 7:14 being fulfilled in our day?

²¹ Walking with Jehovah unquestionably benefits us. As we read at Micah 7:14, Micah compares God’s people with sheep securely residing with their shepherd. In the larger fulfillment of this prophecy today, the remnant of spiritual Israel as well as the “other sheep” find security with their trusted Shepherd, Jehovah. They reside “alone in a forest​—in the midst of an orchard,” spiritually separated from this increasingly troubled and dangerous world.​—John 10:16; Deuteronomy 33:28; Jeremiah 49:31; Galatians 6:16.

²² Jehovah’s people enjoy prosperity, as Micah 7:14 also foretold. Speaking about God’s sheep, or people, Micah states: “Let them feed on Bashan and Gilead.” Just as sheep in Bashan and Gilead fed on rich pastures and prospered, so God’s people today enjoy spiritual prosperity​—yet another blessing for those walking modestly with God.​—Numbers 32:1; Deuteronomy 32:14.

23. What lesson can we learn from considering Micah 7:18, 19?

²³ At Micah 7:18, 19, the prophet highlights Jehovah’s desire to forgive those who repent. Mic 7 Verse 18 states that Jehovah is “pardoning error” and is “passing over transgression.” According to Mic 7 verse 19, he “will throw into the depths of the sea all their sins.” What is one lesson that we can draw from this? We may ask ourselves if we imitate Jehovah in this regard. Do we pardon the errors that others may commit against us? When such ones are repentant and seek to make amends, surely we will want to reflect Jehovah’s willingness to forgive completely and permanently.

24. How have you benefited from Micah’s prophecy?

²⁴ How have we benefited from this consideration of Micah’s prophecy? It has reminded us that Jehovah provides true hope for those who are drawn to him. (Micah 2:1-13) We have been encouraged to do everything possible to promote true worship so that we may walk in God’s name forever. (Micah 4:1-5) And we have been assured that whatever our circumstances, we can meet Jehovah’s requirements. Yes, Micah’s prophecy truly strengthens us to walk in Jehovah’s name.