1 And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; [Is it] not for you to know judgment?
2 Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones;
3 Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron.
4 Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.
5 Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.
6 Therefore night [shall be] unto you, that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them.
7 Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for [there is] no answer of God.
8 But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.
9 Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity.
10 They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity.
11 The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, [Is] not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.
12 Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed [as] a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest.
Overview of Micah Chapter 3
Micah Chapter 3 serves as a powerful denunciation of the corrupt leaders and false prophets of Israel. The chapter highlights the moral decay within the society, particularly among those in positions of authority. Micah’s prophetic message emphasizes social justice, accountability, and the consequences of failing to uphold righteousness.
Key Themes
- Corruption of Leaders: The chapter opens with a direct address to the rulers of Israel, condemning their exploitation of the people.
- False Prophets: Micah criticizes the prophets who mislead the people for personal gain, highlighting the dangers of false teachings.
- Divine Judgment: The chapter concludes with a warning of impending judgment due to the people’s sins and the leaders’ failures.
Structure and Content Analysis
- Verses 1-4: Addressing the Rulers
Micah begins by calling out the leaders of Israel, questioning their moral integrity and their role in oppressing the vulnerable. He emphasizes that they should be serving the people rather than exploiting them.
- Verses 5-7: Condemnation of False Prophets
In these verses, Micah shifts focus to the prophets who lead the people astray. He describes how they speak only for profit and fail to deliver genuine messages from God. Their false assurances will lead to their own downfall.
- Verses 8-10: Micah’s Contrast
Micah contrasts himself with the corrupt leaders and prophets, asserting that he is filled with the Spirit of the Lord and speaks truthfully. He calls out the injustices in society, particularly the exploitation of the poor and the building of Zion through bloodshed.
- Verses 11-12: Judgment Pronounced
The chapter culminates in a stark declaration of judgment against Jerusalem. Micah prophesies that because of the leaders’ corruption, the city will be destroyed. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of unrighteousness.
Historical Context
Micah prophesied during a time of significant social and political turmoil in Israel. The leaders were often more concerned with their own power and wealth than with the welfare of the people. This chapter reflects the broader themes of social justice found throughout the prophetic literature of the Old Testament.
Theological Implications
The chapter emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness in leadership. It serves as a reminder that leaders are accountable to God for their actions and that true prophecy must align with divine truth rather than personal gain. The consequences of failing to uphold justice are severe, as illustrated by Micah’s prophecy of judgment.
Conclusion
Micah Chapter 3 is a poignant critique of the moral failings of Israel’s leaders and prophets. It calls for accountability, justice, and a return to genuine faithfulness to God. The chapter serves as a timeless reminder of the need for integrity and righteousness in leadership, applicable to both ancient Israel and contemporary society.
