Micah 7:19

He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

He will turn again {H7725}, he will have compassion {H7355} upon us; he will subdue {H3533} our iniquities {H5771}; and thou wilt cast {H7993} all their sins {H2403} into the depths {H4688} of the sea {H3220}.

He will again have compassion on us, he will subdue our iniquities. You will throw all their sins into the depths of the sea.

He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast out all our sins into the depths of the sea.

He will again have compassion upon us; he will tread our iniquities under foot; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

Commentary

Micah 7:19 is a profound declaration of God's character, offering immense hope and assurance. It serves as a powerful reminder of divine compassion and the completeness of His forgiveness, promising restoration even after a period of judgment or struggle. This verse is part of a prophetic song of hope and trust in God's faithfulness.

Context

The book of Micah largely addresses the moral and spiritual decline of Judah and Israel, pronouncing judgment for their idolatry, injustice, and corruption. Chapters 6 and 7, in particular, shift from a courtroom scene where God indicts His people to a lament and then to a glorious affirmation of hope. Micah 7:19 follows a confession of sin and a declaration of unwavering trust in God (see Micah 7:7), setting the stage for this powerful statement of divine mercy. It speaks to a future time when God's covenant faithfulness will be fully realized, bringing solace to a people facing the consequences of their actions.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Compassion and Mercy: The phrase "He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us" highlights God's inherent nature of pity and tender mercy. Even when His people stray, His ultimate desire is to restore and show grace. This echoes the Lord's self-revelation as a God "merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth" (Exodus 34:6).
  • Conquering Sin: "He will subdue our iniquities" signifies more than just forgiving sins; it speaks to God's active power to conquer and overcome the hold of sin in our lives. The Hebrew word for "subdue" (kavash) means to tread down, conquer, or bring into subjection. This implies a transformative work where God empowers His people to overcome their sinful tendencies, aligning with promises of a new covenant where His law is written on hearts.
  • Complete Forgiveness: The vivid metaphor, "and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea," powerfully illustrates the absolute and irreversible nature of God's forgiveness. It's a complete removal, implying that once forgiven, sins are remembered no more, much like something lost in the deepest part of the ocean. This powerful imagery resonates with other biblical assurances of complete pardon, such as sins being removed "as far as the east is from the west" (Psalm 103:12) or blotted out (Isaiah 43:25).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb for "subdue" is kavash (Χ›Χ‘Χ©), which implies a forceful overcoming or bringing into subjection. This is significant because it suggests God doesn't just overlook sin, but actively conquers its power and presence among His people. The phrase "cast into the depths of the sea" is a striking idiom, emphasizing the totality and finality of God's act of forgiveness. It’s an act of divine cleansing that leaves no trace.

Practical Application

Micah 7:19 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. It assures us of God's boundless mercy and His willingness to forgive completely, regardless of past transgressions. This should lead to genuine repentance and a deep trust in His grace. Furthermore, understanding that God "subdues" our iniquities provides hope for overcoming persistent sin patterns, knowing that He actively works within us to empower transformation. This verse encourages us to live in the freedom of God's forgiveness, free from the burden of guilt and shame, and to reflect His compassion to others.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 38:17

    Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul [delivered it] from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

  • 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.

  • Isaiah 43:25

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

  • Jeremiah 31:34

    And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

  • Romans 6:14

    For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

  • Titus 2:14

    Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

  • Psalms 103:12

    As far as the east is from the west, [so] far hath he removed our transgressions from us.