Micah 3

Then I said, “Listen, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of Israel. Should you not embrace justice,” Micah 3:1

Feinberg helps us navigate this chapter by saying: “Verses 1 to 4 are addressed to the rulers; verses 5-8 are spoken to the prophets; then rulers, priests, and prophets are all included in verses 9 to 12.” [1] Once more, the prophet cries out for the leaders to “hear,” or “listen.” The “hearing” is almost an outline of the book as we have already mentioned. It reminds us of what Jesus often said: “Whoever has ears, let them hear” (Matt. 11:15). That message now goes out to all of us as we see in Hebrews 12:25, “See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?”

Coffman sees some sarcasm in this first verse. The very guardians of justice do not seem to know what justice is. [2] These leaders were much like the sons of Eli the priest in earlier times. The Bible says they were sons of Belial and did not know the Lord (1 Sam. 2:12). Barnes says: “There was one general corruption of every order of men, through whom Judah could be preserved, princes Micah 3:1-4, prophets Micah 3:5-7, priests,

Micah 3:11.” [3]

Micah continues “…you who hate good and love evil; who tear the skin from my people and the flesh from their bones; who eat my people’s flesh, strip off their skin and break their bones in pieces; who chop them up like meat for the pan, like flesh for the pot?” (3:2-3). We might accuse these leaders of “fleecing the flock,” or taking the wooly covering from off the sheep. However, it was worse, and they were taking this a few steps further. They were slaughtering the sheep and then making themselves a big pot of lamb stew with the poor creatures (cf. Psa. 14:4).

Many are the “Christian” leaders today who harm and even destroy their sheep. We can never forget Jim Jones who led the People’s Temple between 1955 through 1978. Jones had much support from Christian leaders like William Branham and Father Divine. He even became affiliated with the Disciples of Christ.

Jones ended by leading his people to a jungle commune at Jonestown, Guyana. On November 18, 1978, he led the group in a mass suicide. This is now known as the Jonestown Massacre. He didn’t just take the wool from his sheep, but he took 900 sheep to the grave with him. That was after many crimes such as continual sexual abuse of the members.

In my own pastoral ministry, after leading two churches in Kentucky, my wife and I felt called to the West. I became the pastor of a small congregation in the Denver, Colorado area. When I arrived, to my dismay, I learned that the former pastor had sexually abused several members of the church. There was a common feeling among the members that he had also murdered his own wife. Somehow that event had never been properly investigated. We led that church successfully, but my pastorate sure got off to a bumpy start in caring for a lot of wounded sheep.

The prophet Ezekiel once said: “Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock” (Ezek. 34:2-3). Guzik says: “This reminds us that people never exist for the sake of the leaders, but leaders are there for the sake of the people.” [4]

Sometimes we think that Annas and Caiphas, who crucified Jesus, were just two unusually wicked priests. However, when we read the prophets, we realize that the whole priesthood and other leaders were defiled throughout most of the nation’s history. Had Jesus appeared many times before, he surely would have been killed by Israel’s leaders. There were several prophets who also met that fate, one was stoned to death in the very temple complex (2 Chron. 24:20-21).

We can look aghast at these rulers of God’s people, but what we are seeing clearly is the very nature of sin. Its effect can be measured in what began as a holy priesthood. The progress of sin is almost like the process of gradual aging in our bodies. We begin as healthy, vibrant little ones and within a period of 70-90 years, we become old and decrepit. It is a steady but certain process. We see a similar process in spiritual movements, churches, organizations and governments, etc. Only Jesus can restore things and people, making them new.

“Then they will cry out to the LORD, but he will not answer them. At that time he will hide his face from them because of the evil they have done” (3:4). There are many scriptures that bear this out. Jeremiah writes: “Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I will bring on them a disaster they cannot escape. Although they cry out to me, I will not listen to them’” (Jer. 11:11, cf. Psa. 18:41; Pro. 21:13). God even says that on the day of their calamity he will laugh and mock at them (Pro. 1:24-28).

Pitiful Prophets

“This is what the LORD says: ‘As for the prophets who lead my people astray, they proclaim “peace” if they have something to eat, but prepare to wage war against anyone who refuses to feed them.”’” Micah 3:5

This verse is a little difficult in the Hebrew. Perhaps the NAS translation is clearer. It says: “Thus says the LORD concerning the prophets Who lead my people astray; When they have something to bite with their teeth, They cry, ‘Peace,’ But against him who puts nothing in their mouths, They declare holy war” (Mic. 3:5 NAS). Other translations miss the word “bite” (Heb. nashak ). It was normally translated to describe the bite of a poisonous snake. [5] Much later, Jesus even called Israel’s leaders “vipers” (Matt. 23:33). Utley says: “The very ones who were to reveal God, did not know Him (cf. Hosea 4:1).” [6]

Even today, there are many false prophets who are proclaiming peace and blessing. This often happens both inside and outside the church. It especially happens in Israel. The Hebrew greeting of “ shalom ” or “peace” is often heard in Israel. Yet, there is little peace. The major peace thrust near the end of the 20th century was the Oslo Accords. These began with Oslo I (1993), where Israel pulled out of Jericho and Gaza. Oslo II (1995) required Israel to withdraw from several major cities of the West Bank (ancient Judea and Samaria). These cities included Shechem, Bethlehem and most of Hebron. In time, Israel would withdraw from about half the West Bank (her ancient mountain homeland) as it all was turned over to the Palestinians.

This “peace” agreement was lauded by many in Israel. However, Evangelical Christians living in the country were horrified at it. Israel paid a dear price for this “peace.” She soon learned that more of her citizens had been killed in the process than before it began. Much later, on October 7, 2023, the terrible Gaza War was launched by Palestinians from the very area Israel gave to them. What a price she has paid and continues to pay for so-called peace. [7]

So, ancient Israel’s prophecy had degenerated into a sort of “pay for a prophecy” scenario. If one paid, that one would get a good and peaceful prophecy. If one did not pay, the prophet would declare war on that person. We should note that gifts and money were normally given to even the good prophets (1 Kgs. 14:3; 2 Kgs. 4:42; 8:8-9). The problem here was the manipulation of the prophets. [8] In a sense the people were bribing the prophets in order to receive a blessing.

Unfortunately, the lies of the false prophets made it easier for the corrupt officials to do their evil deeds. [9] Jeremiah laments about this situation: “…From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit. They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace” (Jer. 6:13-14). Jeremiah goes on to say that their houses, fields and wives will be given away.

“Therefore, night will come over you, without visions, and darkness, without divination. The sun will set for the prophets, and the day will go dark for them” (3:6). How true was this word! After Malachi, the last prophet, finished his ministry, there were four hundred years of darkness until John the Baptist came. He then introduced the Sun of Righteousness, Jesus. Utley points out how “darkness” is the imagery for lack of revelation (Psa. 82:5; Prov. 2:13; Isa. 59:9, 2 Pet. 1:19; 1 Jn. 1:6, 2:11). [10]

“ The seers will be ashamed and the diviners disgraced. They will all cover their faces because there is no answer from God” (3:7). In earlier times the prophets were called seers. The diviners were usually connected with divining, magic and sorcery. At times, diviners far outnumbered true prophets in Israel (1 Ki. 18:19). Regarding the covered face Feinberg says, “In the Orient men prided themselves on their moustache and beard. To cover them was a token of shame and silent mourning…Lev. 13:45.” [11]

“But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin” (3:8). In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit came upon different individuals at differing times. When the Spirit came, they were able to accomplish great feats. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit comes upon believers in Jesus and abides with them forever (Jn. 14:15-17). When the Spirit came upon Micah, he was able to declare the sins of Israel and Judah. Today the Holy Spirit does the same thing. In John’s gospel, we read: “ And he, when he is come, will convict the world in respect of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:” (Jn. 16:8 ASV).

There is a difference between Old Testament and New Testament prophecy. Guzik describes this difference: “Under the old covenant, the law was not written on the heart of the believer and the Holy Spirit did not indwell each believer in the same way as under the new covenant. Therefore, there was a greater need for the convicting work of the Spirit of God coming from the ‘outside,’ from prophets such as Micah. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul described the ministry of the prophet like this: ‘But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men (1 Corinthians 14:3).’ This certainly doesn’t mean that under the new covenant prophecy will never be used to expose sin, but it isn’t its central purpose.” [12]

The true prophet, whether in the Old or New Testaments, can present a fearful presence. Jeremiah says: “But I am full of the wrath of the LORD, and I cannot hold it in. ‘Pour it out on the children in the street and on the young men gathered together; both husband and wife will be caught in it, and the old, those weighed down with years’” (Jer. 6:11). Phillips tells of the great Scottish reformer John Knox and his effect upon the Queen. Apparently, she was more afraid of Knox than all of England’s armies. [13] A prophet full of God’s Holy Spirit is awesome and frightful. Meyer says longingly, “Oh, that every minister and teacher of God’s holy gospel were able to utter Micah 3:8!” [14]

“Hear this, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of Israel, who despise justice and distort all that is right; who build Zion with bloodshed, and Jerusalem with wickedness” (3:9-10). It is almost unbelievable that the rulers of Zion would despise justice. By their deeds they were bringing about bloodshed. We can imagine that when they took away houses from the poor, some probably despaired and may have given up on life. Some may have starved to death. In short, people died and blood was shed for their avarice and evil deeds. They were building up Zion with bloodshed. Ezekiel says: “Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey; they shed blood and kill people to make unjust gain” (Ezek. 22:27).

In Proverbs 6:16-19, the Bible tells us of seven things the Lord hates most. The first three are “haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood…”

There are a lot of ways that we can shed blood. Sexual sins often shed blood, at least the blood of aborted babies. Hateful and degrading words can shed blood. I remember how in high school, all of us picked on Burl, a rather sissified kid. We would call him “Burl the girl.” Some years later we heard that Burl had committed suicide. It is likely that our words had a part in shedding his blood. Lord, forgive us all! The Bible says: “The tongue has the power of life and death…” (Prov. 18:21). Our words can build people up or they can maim and kill. How important it is that we Christians speak life and blessing to people.

In Psalm 51:18, David prayed that God would build the walls of Jerusalem. Actually, King David by his adulterous affair with Bathsheba, had done a great deal to tear the walls down. [15] It is faith, truth, love and righteous living that builds the walls of Zion.

A Disgraceful Leadership And A Destroyed City

“Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they look for the LORD’s support and say, ‘Is not the LORD among us? No disaster will come upon us.’” Micah 3:11

In this verse, Micah lumps all the leadership together – leaders, priests and prophets were all rotten to the core. Smith describes them: “The ministry had become a profession; professional ministers teaching for hire and the prophets divining for money and yet saying, ‘Hey, the Lord is with us. No evil is going to come.’” [16]

Later in Jesus’ time, the temple was a den of thieves once more (Mat. 21:13). Much of the dishonesty had to do with the offerings that were sold there. The biblical scholar James Charlesworth notes: “On one occasion R. Simeon ben Gamaliel (c. 10-80 C.E.) vigorously protested because the price of a pair of doves had been raised to one gold denar, a price some twenty-five times the proper charge.” [17]

Charlesworth also pointed out that the very office of the high priest was secured by bribery. [18] He stated that, “The four principal high priestly families are remembered for their violence and oppression.” [19]

Feinberg reminds us that the priests were commanded by Law to teach for gratis (Num. 18:20; Deut. 17:8-11; 18:2; 21:5; Eze. 44:23, 24 and Mal. 2:7). [20] They could not judge for rewards (Exo. 23:8; Deut. 16:19; 33:10). The Lord was to be their inheritance.

“Therefore because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets” (3:12). The First Temple of Micah’s day became a pile of rubble. Interestingly, the Second Temple of Jesus’ day met the same fate and for very similar reasons.

Jesus prophesied, “‘Do you see all these things?’ he asked. ‘Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down’” (Matt. 24:2). It happened to the Temple of Jesus’ day. Not one stone was left upon another at the Temple complex. Today, one can visit the museum at the Western Wall area and see a great pile of original stones that were pushed from the mount by the Romans to the area below. Today, we cannot even tell for certain where the temple stood.

Concerning the First Temple that Micah knew, Jeremiah laments over it; “For the mountain of Zion, which is desolate: The foxes walk upon it” (Lam. 5:18 ASV). Much later, the Talmud relates that Rabbi Akiba smiled while others wept at seeing a fox coming from the Holy of Holies. He smiled at seeing the prophecy fulfilled. [21]

When Nehemiah first visited the destroyed city of Jerusalem he remarked: “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire” (Neh. 2:17). In Nehemiah’s day there was so much dust and rubble of the First Temple that the workers could hardly build (Neh. 4:10). At that time the enemy Sanballat mocked and charged the Jews that they could not bring the burned stones back to life (Neh. 4:2). [22]

There is a story in the Talmud that some doubt, although Jerome noticed it and Maimonides repeated it, that in 70 AD, Rufus, who was an officer in the Roman army, plowed up the foundations of the temple. This, of course, would have accurately fulfilled the prophecy of Micah in this verse.

Footnotes

1. Feinberg, The Minor Prophets, p.168.

2. Coffman, Commentary on Micah, v. 3:1.

3. Barnes, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible, v. 3:1.

4. Guzik, Enduring Word Bible Commentary, Micah, vs. 3:1-3.

5. Phillips, Exploring The Minor Prophets, p. 168.

6. Utley, Free Bible Commentary, Micah, v. 3:5.

7. Gerrish, Does God Play Favorites?, pp. 310-313.

8. Utley, Free Bible Commentary, Micah, v. 3:5.

9. Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, OT. p. 1455.

10. Utley, Free Bible Commentary, Micah, v. 3:6.

11. Feinberg, The Minor Prophets, p. 164.

12. Guzik, Enduring Word Bible Commentary, Micah, v. 3:8.

13. Phillips, Exploring The Minor Prophets, p. 168.

14. Meyer, F.B. Meyer’s ‘Through the Bible’ Commentary, Micah, vs. 3:1-12.

15. Barnes, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible, v. 3:9.

16. Smith, Smith’s Bible Commentary, Micah, vs. 3:8-11.

17. James H. Charlesworth, ed., Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls (NY: Doubleday, 1992), p. 238.

18. Ibid., p. 239.

19. Ibid., p. 240.

20. Feinberg, The Minor Prophets, p. 166.

21. Barnes, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible, v. 3:12.

22. Ibid.