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Micah 3

World English Bible

WEB

1I said, “Please listen, you heads of Jacob, and rulers of the house of Israel: Isn’t it for you to know justice? 2You who hate the good, and love the evil; who tear off their skin, and their flesh from off their bones; 3who also eat the flesh of my people, and peel their skin from off them, and break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as meat within the cauldron. 4Then they will cry to Yahweh, but he will not answer them. Yes, he will hide his face from them at that time, because they made their deeds evil.” 5Yahweh says concerning the prophets who lead my people astray—for those who feed their teeth, they proclaim, “Peace!” and whoever doesn’t provide for their mouths, they prepare war against him: 6“Therefore night is over you, with no vision, and it is dark to you, that you may not divine; and the sun will go down on the prophets, and the day will be black over them. 7The seers shall be disappointed, and the diviners confounded. Yes, they shall all cover their lips, for there is no answer from God.” 8But as for me, I am full of power by Yahweh’s Spirit, and of judgment, and of might, to declare to Jacob his disobedience, and to Israel his sin. 9Please listen to this, you heads of the house of Jacob, and rulers of the house of Israel, who abhor justice, and pervert all equity, 10who build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity. 11Her leaders judge for bribes, and her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money; yet they lean on Yahweh, and say, “Isn’t Yahweh among us? No disaster will come on us.” 12Therefore Zion for your sake will be plowed like a field, and Jerusalem will become heaps of rubble, and the mountain of the temple like the high places of a forest.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Micah Chapter 3 presents a powerful indictment against the leaders of Israel, particularly the prophets and rulers, for their corruption and injustice. The chapter opens with a call to the leaders, questioning their ability to judge justly and defend the rights of the people. Micah boldly proclaims that these leaders, who should be shepherding the flock, are instead devouring them, exploiting the vulnerable for their own gain. This reflects the broader theme of social justice that runs throughout the book, emphasizing God's concern for the oppressed and marginalized. The leaders are warned that their actions will lead to dire consequences, including the absence of divine guidance and protection, as God will not answer them in their time of trouble due to their wickedness.

The chapter culminates in a stark prophecy of judgment, where Micah declares that Zion will be plowed like a field, and Jerusalem will become a heap of ruins. This imagery serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's ways. However, it also sets the stage for the hope of restoration that follows in the subsequent chapters. Micah's message is a call to repentance and a reminder that true leadership is rooted in righteousness and justice, reflecting God's character. The chapter serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of corruption and the importance of upholding justice in our communities. #Micah #Justice #Prophets #Leadership

Study

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Referenced by

  1. Psalms 14:4v2Psalm 14:4 questions the evildoers who devour God's people, similar to Micah 3:2-3, which describes leaders who oppress and consume the people.
  2. Jeremiah 5:31v11Jeremiah 5:31 criticizes the prophets and priests for leading the people astray, similar to Micah 3:11, which condemns leaders for their corruption and misleading the people.
  3. Jeremiah 6:13v11Jeremiah 6:13 condemns the greed and corruption of both prophet and priest, similar to Micah 3:11, which criticizes leaders who judge for a bribe and prophets who prophesy for money. Both passages emphasize the corruption and moral decay among the leaders of Israel.
  4. Ezekiel 13:18v5Ezekiel 13:18 condemns those who use magic charms to ensnare people, similar to Micah 3:5, which criticizes prophets who lead people astray for personal gain.

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