Matthew Poole and continuators on Micah 7:1

1 WO is me , for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits , as the grape-gleanings of the vintage : there is no cluster to eat : my soul desired the f[illegible: 2 letters]st ripe fruit ,

All are agreed in the scope and meaning of these words that they are designed a complaint for the great scarcity of men that feared God▪ did Justice, and loved Mercy; and so the Prophet begins with a pathetical complaint, wo is me! ordinarily this phrase is Minatory, but here 'tis Lamentation, as every eye may see, who discerns the propriety of the Heb.

Either the Prophet in his own person, or else in the person of the good man, or by a usual figure, the Land may be brought in, complaining, that whereas 'twas once well stored, now it hath few right good in it.

All the fair, goodly, and ripe fruit gathered, none left, or none but evil fruit, such as the labourers thought not worth gathering up. So is the Harvest of Israel and Iudah too, though I and other Prophets have sown good Seed abundantly, yet goodness comes up very thin and scarce, so Isa. 24.13, 16.

The same complaint in a like elegant Metaphor, drawn from the Vintage-gatherer, who leaves but few scattering single Grapes; So Israel and Iudah which in bringing forth good men, should have been as a fruitful Vine full of clusters, but barren they have been, and are; and good men, i. e. just, compassionate and humble men, are as Grapes after the Vintage is gathered.

Such good mens converse would as much delight, refresh and encourage me, as a fair cluster of Grapes doth a thirsty and hungry person, but there is not one such cluster.

It speaks a vehement desire.

It is an Ellipsis or Apos[illegible: 1 letter]opesis, and to be supplyed thus; but there was, or I found none

Marginal references: Heb. the gatherings of summer.