“I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.”

The beginning of this verse suggests that Micah was in an uncomfortable situation. He identifies the source as God’s hand; His indignation. He also stated the reason for this: he had sinned against the LORD. Micah stated that because of this he would bear the situation, he would endure it. This is a crucial point to which every person needs to come.

It carries two important realizations. The first is that he was a sinner; he had sinned against the LORD. This means that Micah realized personal responsibility for the situation he was in. It suggests that Micah knew what sin was. And this was information he got from knowing what God required of him. At the time of this event, he had God’s law. The ten commandments, and the many other requirements that God had, were given in the books of Exodus and Leviticus. Initially, the ten commandments were spoken by God Himself into the ears of the people of Israel.

The second realization Micah must have had was that God had the right to make laws, and to expect that they were to be obeyed. Further, He had the right to administer justice to those who failed to keep His laws. To this day He maintains that right.

These two realizations are why it is crucial that everyone comes to the point of seeing how they stand before God. God created us, and He told us what He requires of us. He has the right to expect that we obey Him: not because He is demanding, but that He desires our allegiance. He wants us to see that He loves us and wants nothing but the best for us. And that is why He set up the laws that He did.

Consider what Micah said next, “until He plead my cause…” Micah fully expected that God’s indignation would end. It would not last forever. He was willing to endure until the time that God took action on his behalf. And this is one of the wonders of Who God is. He had established the law. He has the right to administer justice for disobedience. When He sees that we are trusting Him in the trial He has sent because of our disobedience, He takes action to set things right between us and Him. It is said of Jesus that, “He ever lives to make intercession for His people…” (Hebrews 7:25)

Micah goes on to say that he expected that God would execute judgment for him. Here, the word judgment means justice. Micah expected that God would give him justice. His sin against the LORD did bring judgment, but God is also just. God is moved by humility and trust in Him. Connected with the previous statement, one can imagine a courtroom. Jesus interceding for His people, and the Judge executing justice on the basis of Jesus’ appeal.

Then, Micah said, “He will bring me forth to the light”. This he said of God, and it is interesting to consider. The One under Whose indignation Micah found himself because of his own sin, which he said he would endure, Micah said would bring him forth to the light. It would be an event of God’s doing. He would bring Micah into the light. Micah means that he would be brought into God’s presence. Scripture says that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)

Finally, Micah’s hope was “I shall behold his righteousness.” This was his hope in the sense that he fully expected that he would see God’s righteousness. This goes along with the being brought forth to the light. Being in God’s presence, Micah would also see His righteousness. In Exodus 33:20 Moses was told, “And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.” But, in Revelation 22:3, 4 we are told, “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: and they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.” This is what Micah was expecting and looking forward to. It was his hope.

Job expected a similar time for himself. He said in Job 19:25-27, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.”

Between the lifetimes of Job and Micah and the vision of Revelation was the birth, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice a way was provided that mankind was reconciled to the Father. Through His sacrifice eternal life is promised to God’s people. Job and Micah anticipated the day of seeing God in person, based entirely on knowing Who God is, and trusting Him. Jesus made the way.

I know that my Redeemer liveth,
And on the earth again shall stand;
I know eternal life He giveth,
That grace and power are in His hand.

Refrain

I know, I know, that Jesus liveth,
And on the earth again shall stand;
I know, I know, that life He giveth,
That grace and power are in His hand.

I know His promise never faileth,
The Word He speaks, it cannot die;
Though cruel death my flesh assaileth,
Yet I shall see Him by and by.

Refrain

I know my mansion He prepareth,
That where He is there I may be;
O wondrous thought, for me He careth,
And He at last will come for me.

Refrain (Jessie B. Pounds)