Micah 7:7

KJV

¶ Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore I will look {H6822} unto the LORD {H3068}; I will wait {H3176} for the God {H430} of my salvation {H3468}: my God {H430} will hear {H8085} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

But as for me, I will look to ADONAI, I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.

Berean Standard Bible

But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.

American Standard Version

But as for me, I will look unto Jehovah; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 7:7 stands as a profound declaration of faith and resolute hope amidst profound national and moral decay. In stark contrast to the surrounding verses that lament widespread corruption, treachery, and the breakdown of societal trust, the prophet Micah pivots his focus entirely from human failure to divine faithfulness, expressing an unwavering commitment to look to, wait for, and trust in the God who is his salvation, confident that He will hear and respond.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 7:7 marks a dramatic and pivotal shift in the book of Micah. The preceding verses (Micah 7:1-6) paint a devastating picture of societal collapse, moral depravity, and pervasive corruption within Israel. The prophet laments the absence of righteous people, describing a society where "the good man is perished out of the earth" and "every man hunts his brother with a net" ([Micah 7:2](/micah/7-2 "Micah 7:2 - Universal Corruption")). Trust has evaporated, even within families, with "the son dishonoring the father, the daughter rising up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law" ([Micah 7:6](/micah/7-6 "Micah 7:6 - Familial Betrayal")). This bleak portrayal sets the stage for Micah’s personal declaration of hope, demonstrating that even in the darkest times, the righteous individual can find refuge and expectation in God alone, turning from the despair of human failure to the certainty of divine intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Micah prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah (approximately 740-697 BC). This was a tumultuous period marked by the Assyrian threat, internal idolatry, social injustice, and a significant moral decline within both Israel (the Northern Kingdom, which fell to Assyria in 722 BC) and Judah (the Southern Kingdom). The prophet's message consistently condemns the exploitation of the poor, corrupt leadership, and false prophets, reflecting the widespread societal breakdown. The cultural norms of justice and covenant faithfulness, once central to Israelite identity, had been severely eroded. In such an environment, where human institutions and relationships offered no hope, Micah's declaration to "look unto the LORD" was not merely a spiritual platitude but a radical act of defiance against the prevailing despair, embodying the faithful remnant's only viable path to hope and deliverance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in Micah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, asserting God as the ultimate source of salvation and hope when all human avenues fail. Secondly, it underscores the **Importance of Personal Piety and Trust** even in a corrupt society, demonstrating that individual faith can shine brightest against a backdrop of widespread ungodliness. The repeated emphasis on "my God" points to a deeply personal and covenantal relationship, a theme echoed throughout the Old Testament where God identifies Himself as the God of His people, such as when He declares, "[I will be their God, and they shall be my people](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")". Finally, it introduces the theme of **Patient Endurance and Expectation**, as Micah resolves to "wait" for God, reflecting a posture of hopeful perseverance that is a hallmark of biblical faith in times of distress, as seen in the psalmist's cry, "[I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word do I hope](/psalms/130-5 "Psalm 130:5 - Hope in God's Word")".

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **look (Hebrew, _tsâphâh'_):** From H6822, this word means "to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await; behold, espy, look up (well), wait for, (keep the) watch(-man)." In Micah 7:7, it conveys an active, intentional, and hopeful gaze, like a watchman diligently scanning the horizon for a sign of relief or the arrival of a deliverer. It's not a passive glance but a focused, expectant posture, indicating a deliberate turning of attention and anticipation towards God.
* **wait (Hebrew, _yâchal'_):** From H3176, this primitive root means "to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope." It encompasses the ideas of enduring hope, patient expectation, and a steadfast reliance on God's timing and intervention. This waiting is not idle but is rooted in confidence and trust, signifying a settled assurance in God's character and His promise to act.
* **salvation (Hebrew, _yeshaʻ'_):** From H3468, this term denotes "liberty, deliverance, prosperity; safety, salvation, saving." It is a comprehensive term for rescue, well-being, and triumph over adversity. In this context, it refers to God's act of delivering His people from their distress, whether from moral decay, external enemies, or the consequences of their sin. It emphasizes God's role as the ultimate source of rescue and restoration.
* **hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From H8085, this primitive root means "to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)." While it literally means to perceive sound, in a theological context, it often implies much more: to listen attentively, to understand, to heed, and crucially, to respond or act upon what is heard. Micah's confidence is not just that God will perceive his cry, but that He will understand and intervene on his behalf.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore I will look unto the LORD;":** This opening clause marks a decisive turning point, introduced by the conjunction "Therefore," which signals a conclusion drawn from the preceding lamentable circumstances. Instead of succumbing to despair or seeking human solutions that have proven futile, the prophet makes a conscious, deliberate choice to fix his gaze and hope solely upon Yahweh (the LORD), the covenant-keeping God. This "looking" implies an active posture of faith, a watchful anticipation, and a redirection of his entire being towards the divine.
* **"I will wait for the God of my salvation:":** This clause reinforces and expands upon the previous declaration, emphasizing patient endurance and unwavering expectation. The phrase "the God of my salvation" highlights God's specific role as the deliverer and rescuer. It's a deeply personal affirmation, acknowledging God not just as a distant deity, but as the one who is intimately involved in the prophet's personal deliverance and well-being. This waiting is an active, hopeful trust, not a passive resignation.
* **"my God will hear me.":** This final clause expresses profound confidence and assurance. The repetition of "my God" underscores the personal relationship and covenantal faithfulness. The prophet is certain that God will not only listen to his cry but also understand and, most importantly, act in response. This "hearing" implies divine attentiveness, compassion, and ultimate intervention, providing the bedrock for Micah's hope in the face of overwhelming adversity.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 7:7 is rich in literary devices that amplify its powerful message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as the verse sharply juxtaposes the preceding six verses of moral decay and human failure with a resolute declaration of divine hope. This stark contrast highlights the prophet's deliberate shift from despair to faith. Another significant device is **Personal Declaration**, evident in the repeated use of "I will" and "my God," which underscores the individual's choice to trust God amidst a faithless generation. This makes the verse a powerful model for personal piety. Furthermore, the verbs "look" and "wait" function as **Metaphors** for active faith and patient endurance. "Looking unto the LORD" is not merely seeing but fixing one's hope and attention, while "waiting for the God of my salvation" implies a steadfast, hopeful expectation rather than idle passivity. The entire verse also functions as a **Confession of Faith**, articulating a deep theological truth about God's character and His responsiveness to His faithful ones.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 7:7 provides a timeless theological statement about the nature of true hope and the character of God. It affirms that in times of profound human failure and societal collapse, the ultimate and only reliable source of salvation is God Himself. The prophet's decision to "look unto the LORD" and "wait for the God of my salvation" is a profound act of faith, demonstrating that spiritual resilience is found not in human strength or societal reform, but in a steadfast reliance on divine faithfulness. This posture of patient expectation and confident prayer underscores God's attentiveness to His people and His unwavering commitment to deliver those who trust in Him, even when circumstances seem utterly hopeless. It teaches that God is not only sovereign over all circumstances but also intimately involved in the personal struggles and salvation of His faithful ones.

* [Psalm 27:14](/psalms/27-14 "Psalm 27:14 - Waiting on the Lord")
* [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Renewal for Those Who Wait")
* [Lamentations 3:25-26](/lamentations/3-25-26 "Lamentations 3:25-26 - God's Goodness to Those Who Wait")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 7:7 offers a profound blueprint for believers navigating a world often characterized by disappointment, betrayal, and moral decline. When human systems fail, when trust is broken, and when the future seems bleak, this verse calls us to a conscious and deliberate reorientation of our hope. It challenges us to shift our gaze from the brokenness around us and within us to the unwavering faithfulness of God. This is not a passive resignation but an active, hopeful waiting, rooted in the conviction that our God is indeed the God of our salvation—the one who delivers, protects, and restores. Our confidence, like Micah's, should be in God's personal attentiveness: "my God will hear me." This assurance empowers us to persevere in prayer and trust, knowing that no matter how dire the circumstances, God is listening and will act on behalf of those who place their hope in Him. It reminds us that our ultimate security and deliverance come not from human efforts or earthly institutions, but from the sovereign, loving, and ever-present God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What current circumstances in your life or the world tempt you to despair or lose hope in humanity?**
* **How can you intentionally "look unto the LORD" and "wait for the God of your salvation" in those specific situations?**
* **What does it mean for you to truly believe that "my God will hear me," and how might that conviction change your approach to prayer and trust?**
* **In what practical ways can you demonstrate patient endurance while waiting for God's intervention?**

### FAQ

**Why does Micah suddenly shift from lament to hope in this verse?**

Answer: Micah's dramatic shift in tone in [Micah 7:7](/micah/7-7 "Micah 7:7 - Micah's Declaration of Hope") is a powerful rhetorical device and a theological statement. The preceding verses (Micah 7:1-6) describe a society utterly devoid of righteousness, where corruption, injustice, and betrayal are rampant, even within families. This paints a picture of profound despair and human failure. The "Therefore" at the beginning of [Micah 7:7](/micah/7-7 "Micah 7:7 - Micah's Declaration of Hope") signals a conclusion drawn from this bleak reality: since there is no hope to be found in humanity or societal structures, the only recourse is to turn entirely to God. It highlights that true hope is not found in human institutions or efforts, but solely in the faithful character and redemptive power of the Lord. This shift serves to emphasize God as the ultimate, unfailing source of salvation and hope, even when all else fails.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 7:7, with its profound declaration of looking to and waiting for the "God of my salvation," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The prophet's hope in a God who would hear and deliver foreshadows the coming of the One who is not merely a deliverer, but Salvation incarnate. Jesus is the "God of our salvation" in the most complete sense, as He is God made flesh, who came to "save his people from their sins" ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People")). The act of "looking unto the LORD" is perfectly realized in "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")), who endured the cross for our redemption. Our patient "waiting for the God of our salvation" is now a waiting for Christ's return, when our salvation will be fully consummated ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship in Heaven")). Furthermore, Micah's confidence that "my God will hear me" is fulfilled in Christ, our great High Priest, who "is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them" ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). In Christ, the abstract hope of a distant prophet becomes the tangible, personal, and eternal reality of a God who has not only heard but has acted decisively to bring about our salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Lamentations 3:25

The LORD [is] good unto them that wait for him, to the soul [that] seeketh him.

Lamentations 3:26

[It is] good that [a man] should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Psalms 37:7

¶ Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

1 John 5:14

¶ And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

1 John 5:15

And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Isaiah 45:22

Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else.

Isaiah 25:9

¶ And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this [is] our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this [is] the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.