Sorrow following in the train of evil.
I. THIS TRUTH IS SET FORTH IN THESE VERSES IN POETICAL LANGUAGE. The prophet does not mention the land of Judah, but he singles out a number of places in the country, and addresses them by name, employing phraseology calculated to produce a strong impression concerning the grief and sadness that should overspread the nation. We may fittingly compare with this a similar passage in the book of Micah's contemporary, Isaiah (Isaiah 10:28-32). In both passages these distinguished seers described, in terms of pathetic sadness, the sorrows which should come upon the land in consequence of the nation's guilt. The trials thus predicted did not, however, come in all their intensity so speedily, for the nation, under the influence of Hezekiah, bowed itself low in penitence, and proceeded to reform the prevailing evils. The Assyrian army was, in consequence, divinely checked in its onward march; the destroying angel accomplished his work of terrible destruction in the camp of the Assyrians, and a respite was granted to Judah (Isaiah 37:36).
II. THIS TRUTH, THUS ILLUSTRATED, ADMITS OF THE WIDEST APPLICATION. Sorrow ever follows in the course of evil. A life of obedience to God's revealed will is the only way in which happiness, real and lasting, may be secured. The rabbins say that "when Adam had tasted the forbidden fruit, his head ached." The highest authority has declared that "the way of transgressors is hard," and that "whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7). An old writer has compared a life of worldliness to one on the stream, and following the river's course. He passes through very lovely scenery. There are the sweet meadows, green woods, the fertile pastures, magnificent buildings, strong forts, famous cities, but at last he comes to the salt sea. So the stream of worldliness may yield you many a passing delight, but the end to which it conducts is truly desolate (Thomas Adams). Have we not served sin long enough? All time is too long that is given to that service. It is enough. The time past shall suffice us in which to have wrought the will of the evil one. We cast ourselves at thy feet, O Lord; deliver us from the power and dominion, the shame and sorrow, of sin; and help us to live the manly and godly life!
HOMILIES BY E.S. PROUT