Micah 3

In return for this, God devises against them an evil, by which they should effectually be humbled; namely, their captivity in a foreign land. The last two verses some explain as promising them a return again from their calamity; but Boothroyd remarks, “After long considering ver. 12, and the next verse, I am convinced that they ought to be regarded as a denunciation of punishment.” That is, the people should be penned up together, like sheep in a fold, by the Chaldean army, which should occasion great alarm and confusion; at length their king, Zedekiah, should break forth at the head of the few troops that were with him; and the Lord himself should lead (or cause them to be led, as (Ezekiel 39:28),) forth into captivity. See the history, (2 Kings 25:4).

Chap. III. Ver. i—12. The cruel character of the Jewish princes, and the falsehood of their prophets.—It is evident that a great degeneracy now prevailed, as well in the church as in the state; and many who had been educated in the schools of the Prophets, followed their apparent worldly interest instead of their duty, and became prophets of Baal, or of the golden calves, instead of prophets of Jehovah, though they would always be thought to be the latter. Against such, Micah denounces disappointment and confusion; but on his own part declares himself animated by the Spirit of the Most High. But how were the people to distinguish? Moses has given two criterions; one, the fulfilment of their predictions, but this required time to ascertain; a more certain and immediate criterion is therefore given; if any prophet attempted, either directly or indirectly, to lead them into idolatry, he was to be considered as a false prophet, and was liable to the penalty of stoning.

See (Deuteronomy 13:1-5).

Notes on the verses

Ver. 10. Arise ye, and depart.—This is addressed to the faithful.

Ver. 11. In the spirit and falsehood.—Newcome, “In the spirit of falsehood.”

Ver. 13. The breaker.—(2 Kings 25:4). mentions that “the city was broken up;” i.e. the enemy made a breach, and while they were entering the city at one end, Zedekiah and his men broke a way out, between the walls of the king’s garden, and attempted their escape. They broke out, and passed the way ((2 Kings 25:5),) but the king was taken, and carried to Babylon, as had been

Chap. III. Ver. 1. Is it not?—That is, Ought not Israel to know what is right, and what is wrong?

Ver. 2. Who plucketh off their skin—That is, who sacrifice the people, their interest, and their comforts, with as little remorse as ye would cut up the sacrifices for the altar, or the caldron.

See (1 Samuel 2:13-16). (Amos 5:10-12).

Ver. 4. Then a loud cry—Namely, these unjust and cruel princes.

Ver. 5. Bite with their teeth—That is, devour all they can get.

Ver. 6. Therefore night, &c.—Boothroyd, “Wherefore ye shall have night instead of vision; and…. darkness instead of divination.” More literally, “Night without a vision; darkness without divination.” See Heb. of (Job 11:15).; xxi. 9. and Gesenius.

Ver. 12. Therefore shall Zion.—See (Jeremiah 26:18). Real [speaks]