NOTES for Mic 7:1-20
Before us are pictures of moral decay. The merciful have disappeared; no one can be relied on. The condition of that society reminds the prophet of a garden emptied after the fruit harvest, when not a single berry remains on the branches. But the law of Moses recommended leaving part of the harvest unpicked for the poor and for strangers. This rule is not observed; everything is swept clean only for oneself. Family ties break down. In general, it is all familiar, not new, and constantly repeated. Once again, immersing ourselves in testimonies from ancient times, we can repeat: this too has already happened. Therefore, when descriptions of the coming retribution follow the depiction of the general situation, it is once again hard to shift our attention and not apply the prophecy to our own times.
And again we meet hope, for the Lord, today as in that time far removed from us, is the Same One. He is not simply merciful, but loves to show mercy, and therefore is always ready to receive the sinner who strives repentantly to reject old sins.
Therefore today as well, if we stumble, Micah's words can support us: though I have fallen, I will rise; though I am in darkness, the Lord is light for me.