Micah 7:16

7:16 Nations will see this and be disappointed by ¹  all their strength,

they will put their hands over their mouths,

and act as if they were deaf. ² 

Micah 3:8

3:8 But I ³  am full of the courage that the Lord’s Spirit gives,

and have a strong commitment to justice. ⁴ 

This enables me to confront Jacob with its rebellion,

and Israel with its sin. ⁵ 

[7:16]  ¹ tn Or “be ashamed of.”

[7:16]  ² tn Heb “and their ears will be deaf.” Apparently this means the opposing nations will be left dumbfounded by the Lord’s power. Their inability to respond will make them appear to be deaf mutes.

[3:8]  ³ sn The prophet Micah speaks here and contrasts himself with the mercenaries just denounced by the Lord in the preceding verses.

[3:8]  ⁴ tn Heb “am full of power, the Spirit of the Lord, and justice and strength.” The appositional phrase “the Spirit of the Lord” explains the source of the prophet’s power. The phrase “justice and strength” is understood here as a hendiadys, referring to the prophet’s strong sense of justice.

[3:8]  ⁵ tn Heb “to declare to Jacob his rebellion and to Israel his sin.” The words “this enables me” are supplied in the translation for clarification.