Micah 7:16

The nations shall see and be confounded at all their might: they shall lay [their] hand upon [their] mouth, their ears shall be deaf.

The nations {H1471} shall see {H7200} and be confounded {H954} at all their might {H1369}: they shall lay {H7760} their hand {H3027} upon their mouth {H6310}, their ears {H241} shall be deaf {H2790}.

The nations will see and be put to shame, in spite of all their power. They will cover their mouths with their hands, and their ears will be deafened.

Nations will see and be ashamed, deprived of all their might. They will put their hands over their mouths, and their ears will become deaf.

The nations shall see and be ashamed of all their might; they shall lay their hand upon their mouth; their ears shall be deaf.

Micah 7:16 portrays a powerful prophetic vision of the future, where the nations of the world will witness God's mighty acts on behalf of His people and be utterly astonished and humbled. This verse comes as a part of Micah's final prophetic discourse, which transitions from a lament over Israel's spiritual decay to a glorious promise of divine restoration and triumph.

Context

This verse is situated within the closing chapter of Micah, which begins with a lament (Micah 7:1-6) over the moral corruption of Israel and Judah, expressing the prophet's deep sorrow. However, the tone dramatically shifts from despair to hope, trust, and a declaration of God's unfailing faithfulness (Micah 7:7-10). Micah 7:11-13 speaks of the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the desolation of the land due to its inhabitants' sin. Then, Micah 7:14-15 paints a picture of God shepherding His flock and performing wonders akin to the Exodus. Verse 16 directly follows this promise of God's powerful intervention, illustrating the reaction of the surrounding nations to this divine display.

Key Themes

  • Divine Vindication and Power: The verse emphasizes God's overwhelming might, which He uses to defend and restore His chosen people. The nations' reaction underscores the undeniable nature of God's work.
  • Awe and Humiliation of Nations: The phrase "shall see and be confounded" highlights the astonishment and shame that will overcome the nations. Their former might will be rendered insignificant in the face of God's power.
  • Speechlessness and Inability to Act: "They shall lay their hand upon their mouth, their ears shall be deaf" vividly depicts a state of utter shock, silence, and perhaps even a symbolic inability to resist or comprehend God's actions. This signifies their complete submission or paralysis in the presence of divine power.
  • God's Uniqueness: This display of power serves to highlight God's unique character as the only true and sovereign Lord, as further elaborated in Micah 7:18-20.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "confounded" (bosh) carries connotations of shame, humiliation, and disappointment, often implying a realization of one's own weakness or error when confronted with truth or power. It's not just confusion, but a humbling shame.
  • "They shall lay their hand upon their mouth" is a common biblical idiom (e.g., Job 21:5, Job 40:4) signifying stunned silence, submission, or a lack of argument. It speaks to the overwhelming nature of what they witness.
  • "Their ears shall be deaf" suggests not a physical deafness, but a spiritual or metaphorical inability to respond, understand, or even hear the divine pronouncements. It implies a state of being utterly overwhelmed and without recourse.

Practical Application

Micah 7:16 offers profound reassurance and a warning. For believers, it is a powerful reminder that God is ultimately in control and will vindicate His people. Even when circumstances seem dire, we can trust in God's sovereign power to deliver and restore. This verse encourages us to place our hope not in human strength or political alliances, but in the Almighty God who can silence and confound all opposition. For those who oppose God or His purposes, it serves as a solemn warning of the inevitable reckoning when God's power will be undeniably displayed, leaving no room for defiance or explanation. It calls us to reflect on the majesty of God and His ultimate triumph over all earthly might.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 26:11

    LORD, [when] thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: [but] they shall see, and be ashamed for [their] envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them.

  • Isaiah 52:15

    So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for [that] which had not been told them shall they see; and [that] which they had not heard shall they consider.

  • Job 29:9

    The princes refrained talking, and laid [their] hand on their mouth.

  • Job 29:10

    The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth.

  • Job 40:4

    Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.

  • Micah 5:8

    And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.

  • Ezekiel 39:17

    And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, [even] a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood.

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