Micah 7:18-19 Explained

"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. 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." — Micah 7:18-19 (KJV)

The last words of a book of judgment, and they turn on a pun the prophet makes with his own name.

Read it in context: The Book of Micah. Also gathered under verses about forgiveness.

Micah 7:18-19 in context

What does Micah 7:18-19 mean?

'Delighteth in mercy' is the hinge: mercy is not described as a concession God makes against his inclination but as the thing he enjoys. Then the images escalate — pardon, pass by, subdue, cast into the sea. The last is the strongest: sins are not filed or forgiven-but-remembered, they are dropped where nothing is recovered from.

What is the context of Micah 7:18-19?

Micah has spent seven chapters on corrupt rulers, dishonest merchants and coming ruin. The book ends here. 'Who is a God like unto thee' is a play on the prophet's own name — Micah means who is like the LORD — so the closing line is signed.

How do I pray Micah 7:18-19?

Pray the last clause about one specific thing rather than about sin in general — the verse is concrete and the prayer should be. Then sit with 'he delighteth in mercy' for a moment, because most people praying this assume the opposite about God and the assumption is what makes forgiveness hard to receive.

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