Have you noticed how people can be predictable? I know someone who gets agitated every time I suggest a new idea, and another who always says “yes” whenever I ask for help. These behaviours are predictable because they are outward expressions of a person’s core attributes.

Similarly, God’s actions, especially His forgiveness, are consistent with God’s core attribute of showing mercy (Micah 7:18). Unlike humans, who are prone to sin, God delights in “steadfast love” (v. 18, ESV). For Israel, whose central problem was sin and rebellion (v. 9), this attribute was enough for them to trust that God had not turned away from them.

Today’s verses conclude the book of Micah by focusing on God’s incomparable character. To the prophet’s question—“Who is a God like you?”—in verse 18, the answer is clear—no one! Micah gives several reasons why He is unique, and how He deals with sin and salvation. He pardons sin, carrying or lifting it so that someone else bears it (Isaiah 53:4, 11). He passes over rebellion and transgression, showing mercy and patience. All this He does for the “remnant of his inheritance”, which now includes both Israelites and people from the nations (Micah 7:18).

God is right to be angry in response to sin, and we have seen His judgment throughout the book of Micah. Yet He does not remain angry forever because He delights in steadfast love. It is His mercy that restrains His wrath, preserves the remnant, and motivates Him to forgive and save His people.

Drawing on imagery from the exodus, God deals decisively with sin (v. 19). He manifests His compassion, grace and favour by subduing our iniquities—treading our sins underfoot—demonstrating a conclusive victory over sin’s power. All our sins are cast into the depths of the sea, echoing His victory over Egypt and Pharaoh’s army (Exodus 15:1, 19).

We can be confident God will accomplish all this because He keeps His promises (Micah 7:20). He remains faithful to Jacob (Israel) and shows steadfast love to Abraham. His promise to Abraham—that he would be a blessing to the whole world—is fulfilled in Micah’s prophecies.