Micah 7:18

Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.

Who is a God {H410} like unto thee, that pardoneth {H5375} iniquity {H5771}, and passeth by {H5674} the transgression {H6588} of the remnant {H7611} of his heritage {H5159}? he retaineth {H2388} not his anger {H639} for ever {H5703}, because he delighteth {H2654} in mercy {H2617}.

Who is a God like you, pardoning the sin and overlooking the crimes of the remnant of his heritage? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in grace.

Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance— who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion?

Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth over the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in lovingkindness.

Micah 7:18 (KJV)

This verse is a beautiful declaration of God's unique character, appearing at the end of the book of Micah, which otherwise contains significant pronouncements of judgment upon Israel and Judah for their sins. It shifts the focus from human failure to divine grace, offering a powerful message of hope and restoration.

The verse begins with a rhetorical question, "Who [is] a God like unto thee," which serves as an exclamation highlighting God's unparalleled nature, especially in His capacity for forgiveness. This directly relates to the meaning of the prophet's name, Micah, which means "Who is like Yahweh?"

Key aspects of God's character revealed here include:

  • Unmatched Forgiveness: God is unique in His willingness and ability to "pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression." "Passeth by" suggests overlooking or not counting the sin against the transgressor, an act of divine grace.
  • Mercy for His People: This forgiveness is specifically directed towards "the remnant of his heritage," referring to the surviving portion of God's covenant people, Israel. It speaks to God's enduring faithfulness to His promises despite their rebellion.
  • Temporary Anger: Unlike human anger, God "retaineth not his anger for ever." While He does exercise righteous judgment and discipline, His wrath is not eternal towards His forgiven people; it is temporary and purposeful, leading to repentance and restoration.
  • Delight in Mercy: The fundamental reason given for God's forgiveness and restrained anger is profound: "because he delighteth [in] mercy." Mercy is not merely something God does, but something intrinsic to His nature, something He takes pleasure in extending.

This verse offers immense comfort, assuring us that God's nature is rooted in mercy and forgiveness. It encourages us to trust in His unique grace and to find hope in His willingness to pardon those who belong to Him.

See also: Exodus 34:6-7, Nehemiah 9:17, Psalm 103:8-12, Isaiah 55:7.

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 43:25

    I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

  • Isaiah 44:22

    I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

  • Psalms 103:8

    The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

  • Psalms 103:9

    He will not always chide: neither will he keep [his anger] for ever.

  • Ephesians 2:4

    ¶ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

  • Ephesians 2:5

    Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

  • Jeremiah 50:20

    In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and [there shall be] none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.

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