Micah 7:17

They shall lick the dust like a serpent, they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth: they shall be afraid of the LORD our God, and shall fear because of thee.

They shall lick {H3897} the dust {H6083} like a serpent {H5175}, they shall move {H7264} out of their holes {H4526} like worms {H2119} of the earth {H776}: they shall be afraid {H6342} of the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}, and shall fear {H3372} because of thee.

They will lick the dust like snakes; they will emerge from their fortresses trembling like reptiles that crawl about on the earth; they will come with fear to ADONAI our God, afraid because of you.

They will lick the dust like a snake, like reptiles slithering on the ground. They will crawl from their holes in the presence of the LORD our God; they will tremble in fear of You.

They shall lick the dust like a serpent; like crawling things of the earth they shall come trembling out of their close places; they shall come with fear unto Jehovah our God, and shall be afraid because of thee.

Micah 7:17 is a powerful prophetic declaration describing the profound humiliation and fear that will overcome the enemies of God's people. This verse paints a vivid picture of divine judgment and the ultimate vindication of Israel, highlighting the absolute sovereignty of the LORD.

Context

This verse is situated within the concluding chapters of the book of Micah, specifically in a section (Micah 7:14-20) that shifts from lament and confession of sin to a strong affirmation of God's faithfulness, power, and mercy towards His covenant people. Following a period of national distress and moral decay, Micah looks forward to a future restoration and the defeat of those who oppressed Israel. The preceding verses, such as Micah 7:15-16, describe God's mighty acts on behalf of His people, which will cause the nations to be ashamed of their own might and power.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Humiliation: The imagery of "licking the dust like a serpent" and "moving out of their holes like worms" powerfully conveys utter defeat, submission, and disgrace. It signifies a complete reversal of fortune for those who previously opposed God's plan and His chosen people.
  • The Sovereignty of God: The verse emphasizes that this abasement is a direct result of God's action. The enemies "shall be afraid of the LORD our God," acknowledging His supreme authority and irresistible power over all nations and forces.
  • Vindication of God's People: The phrase "and shall fear because of thee" refers to God's people, Israel. Their enemies will be forced to recognize that God is with Israel, protecting and defending them, thereby vindicating His chosen nation and demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lick the dust" (Hebrew: laphaq aphar) is a strong biblical idiom for abject submission, complete defeat, and humiliation, often associated with the curse upon the serpent in Genesis 3:14. The "serpent" (Hebrew: nachash) here symbolizes cunning and hostile adversaries brought low. Similarly, "worms of the earth" (Hebrew: rimmas erets) highlights their utter vulnerability and powerlessness when confronted by divine might, emphasizing that their hiding places will offer no refuge from God's judgment.

Related Scriptures

  • The theme of enemies licking the dust as a sign of submission is also found in Psalm 72:9, often depicting the universal homage paid to a righteous king or the Messiah.
  • The concept of "fear of the LORD" as a proper response to God's power and holiness is a foundational biblical principle, leading to wisdom and right living, as echoed in Proverbs 9:10.
  • This ultimate victory and protection for God's people resonates with promises found in Isaiah 41:12, where the LORD assures Israel that their adversaries will be brought to nothing.

Practical Application

Micah 7:17 offers a powerful message of hope and assurance for believers today. It reminds us that despite present difficulties or opposition, God is ultimately sovereign and just. He will bring about His purposes, and those who oppose Him or His people will eventually be humbled. This verse encourages us to place our trust in God's unfailing power and to recognize that if God is for us, who can be against us? It reinforces the truth that true safety and victory are found in fearing and obeying the LORD, who always defends His own and will ultimately bring all things under His dominion.

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 49:23

    And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

  • Psalms 72:9

    They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.

  • Psalms 18:45

    The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places.

  • Jeremiah 33:9

    And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.

  • Isaiah 25:3

    Therefore shall the strong people glorify thee, the city of the terrible nations shall fear thee.

  • Jeremiah 16:16

    Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.

  • Lamentations 3:29

    He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so be there may be hope.

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