Micah 1

Micah 1:2

Introduction

Now that the boundaries of the promised land have been defined, the prophet can begin to speak of the division of the land among the twelve tribes. Just as there will be a new exodus (Ezekiel 20:32-38) and a new covenant (Ezekiel 34:23-30; Ezekiel 37:21-28), so there will be a new division and allocation of the land to the various tribes. The people will acknowledge with great joy that the LORD Himself makes that division and allocation: “He chooses our inheritance for us, the glory of Jacob whom He loves. Selah” (Psalms 47:4).

In the division of the land we see three major parts: 1. a northern part for seven tribes, 2. a middle part as an offering to the LORD, 3. a southern part for five tribes.

In the middle part is an area of 25,000 x 25,000 cubits containing 1. a northern part for the priests and the temple, 2. a middle part for the Levites, 3. a southern part for the city and for those who serve the city, 4./5. to the left and the right of this three-part area an area for the prince.

New Division of the North

These verses list seven tribes, all of which lie north of the holy area. The area of the tribes consists of a straight strip of land running from east to west across the entire width of the land. The tribes of the northern half are listed in order from north to south.

Judah is the southernmost tribe of the north and Benjamin the northernmost tribe of the south (Ezekiel 48:23). These two tribes are centrally located in the land.

Micah 1:3

Introduction

Now that the boundaries of the promised land have been defined, the prophet can begin to speak of the division of the land among the twelve tribes. Just as there will be a new exodus (Ezekiel 20:32-38) and a new covenant (Ezekiel 34:23-30; Ezekiel 37:21-28), so there will be a new division and allocation of the land to the various tribes. The people will acknowledge with great joy that the LORD Himself makes that division and allocation: “He chooses our inheritance for us, the glory of Jacob whom He loves. Selah” (Psalms 47:4).

In the division of the land we see three major parts: 1. a northern part for seven tribes, 2. a middle part as an offering to the LORD, 3. a southern part for five tribes.

In the middle part is an area of 25,000 x 25,000 cubits containing 1. a northern part for the priests and the temple, 2. a middle part for the Levites, 3. a southern part for the city and for those who serve the city, 4./5. to the left and the right of this three-part area an area for the prince.

New Division of the North

These verses list seven tribes, all of which lie north of the holy area. The area of the tribes consists of a straight strip of land running from east to west across the entire width of the land. The tribes of the northern half are listed in order from north to south.

Judah is the southernmost tribe of the north and Benjamin the northernmost tribe of the south (Ezekiel 48:23). These two tribes are centrally located in the land.

Micah 1:4

Introduction

Now that the boundaries of the promised land have been defined, the prophet can begin to speak of the division of the land among the twelve tribes. Just as there will be a new exodus (Ezekiel 20:32-38) and a new covenant (Ezekiel 34:23-30; Ezekiel 37:21-28), so there will be a new division and allocation of the land to the various tribes. The people will acknowledge with great joy that the LORD Himself makes that division and allocation: “He chooses our inheritance for us, the glory of Jacob whom He loves. Selah” (Psalms 47:4).

In the division of the land we see three major parts: 1. a northern part for seven tribes, 2. a middle part as an offering to the LORD, 3. a southern part for five tribes.

In the middle part is an area of 25,000 x 25,000 cubits containing 1. a northern part for the priests and the temple, 2. a middle part for the Levites, 3. a southern part for the city and for those who serve the city, 4./5. to the left and the right of this three-part area an area for the prince.

New Division of the North

These verses list seven tribes, all of which lie north of the holy area. The area of the tribes consists of a straight strip of land running from east to west across the entire width of the land. The tribes of the northern half are listed in order from north to south.

Judah is the southernmost tribe of the north and Benjamin the northernmost tribe of the south (Ezekiel 48:23). These two tribes are centrally located in the land.

Micah 1:5

Introduction

Now that the boundaries of the promised land have been defined, the prophet can begin to speak of the division of the land among the twelve tribes. Just as there will be a new exodus (Ezekiel 20:32-38) and a new covenant (Ezekiel 34:23-30; Ezekiel 37:21-28), so there will be a new division and allocation of the land to the various tribes. The people will acknowledge with great joy that the LORD Himself makes that division and allocation: “He chooses our inheritance for us, the glory of Jacob whom He loves. Selah” (Psalms 47:4).

In the division of the land we see three major parts: 1. a northern part for seven tribes, 2. a middle part as an offering to the LORD, 3. a southern part for five tribes.

In the middle part is an area of 25,000 x 25,000 cubits containing 1. a northern part for the priests and the temple, 2. a middle part for the Levites, 3. a southern part for the city and for those who serve the city, 4./5. to the left and the right of this three-part area an area for the prince.

New Division of the North

These verses list seven tribes, all of which lie north of the holy area. The area of the tribes consists of a straight strip of land running from east to west across the entire width of the land. The tribes of the northern half are listed in order from north to south.

Judah is the southernmost tribe of the north and Benjamin the northernmost tribe of the south (Ezekiel 48:23). These two tribes are centrally located in the land.

Micah 1:6

Introduction

Now that the boundaries of the promised land have been defined, the prophet can begin to speak of the division of the land among the twelve tribes. Just as there will be a new exodus (Ezekiel 20:32-38) and a new covenant (Ezekiel 34:23-30; Ezekiel 37:21-28), so there will be a new division and allocation of the land to the various tribes. The people will acknowledge with great joy that the LORD Himself makes that division and allocation: “He chooses our inheritance for us, the glory of Jacob whom He loves. Selah” (Psalms 47:4).

In the division of the land we see three major parts: 1. a northern part for seven tribes, 2. a middle part as an offering to the LORD, 3. a southern part for five tribes.

In the middle part is an area of 25,000 x 25,000 cubits containing 1. a northern part for the priests and the temple, 2. a middle part for the Levites, 3. a southern part for the city and for those who serve the city, 4./5. to the left and the right of this three-part area an area for the prince.

New Division of the North

These verses list seven tribes, all of which lie north of the holy area. The area of the tribes consists of a straight strip of land running from east to west across the entire width of the land. The tribes of the northern half are listed in order from north to south.

Judah is the southernmost tribe of the north and Benjamin the northernmost tribe of the south (Ezekiel 48:23). These two tribes are centrally located in the land.

Micah 1:7

Introduction

Now that the boundaries of the promised land have been defined, the prophet can begin to speak of the division of the land among the twelve tribes. Just as there will be a new exodus (Ezekiel 20:32-38) and a new covenant (Ezekiel 34:23-30; Ezekiel 37:21-28), so there will be a new division and allocation of the land to the various tribes. The people will acknowledge with great joy that the LORD Himself makes that division and allocation: “He chooses our inheritance for us, the glory of Jacob whom He loves. Selah” (Psalms 47:4).

In the division of the land we see three major parts: 1. a northern part for seven tribes, 2. a middle part as an offering to the LORD, 3. a southern part for five tribes.

In the middle part is an area of 25,000 x 25,000 cubits containing 1. a northern part for the priests and the temple, 2. a middle part for the Levites, 3. a southern part for the city and for those who serve the city, 4./5. to the left and the right of this three-part area an area for the prince.

New Division of the North

These verses list seven tribes, all of which lie north of the holy area. The area of the tribes consists of a straight strip of land running from east to west across the entire width of the land. The tribes of the northern half are listed in order from north to south.

Judah is the southernmost tribe of the north and Benjamin the northernmost tribe of the south (Ezekiel 48:23). These two tribes are centrally located in the land.

Micah 1:8

Introduction

Now that the boundaries of the promised land have been defined, the prophet can begin to speak of the division of the land among the twelve tribes. Just as there will be a new exodus (Ezekiel 20:32-38) and a new covenant (Ezekiel 34:23-30; Ezekiel 37:21-28), so there will be a new division and allocation of the land to the various tribes. The people will acknowledge with great joy that the LORD Himself makes that division and allocation: “He chooses our inheritance for us, the glory of Jacob whom He loves. Selah” (Psalms 47:4).

In the division of the land we see three major parts: 1. a northern part for seven tribes, 2. a middle part as an offering to the LORD, 3. a southern part for five tribes.

In the middle part is an area of 25,000 x 25,000 cubits containing 1. a northern part for the priests and the temple, 2. a middle part for the Levites, 3. a southern part for the city and for those who serve the city, 4./5. to the left and the right of this three-part area an area for the prince.

New Division of the North

These verses list seven tribes, all of which lie north of the holy area. The area of the tribes consists of a straight strip of land running from east to west across the entire width of the land. The tribes of the northern half are listed in order from north to south.

Judah is the southernmost tribe of the north and Benjamin the northernmost tribe of the south (Ezekiel 48:23). These two tribes are centrally located in the land.

Micah 1:9

The Allotment for the LORD

These verses repeat what has already been said in the description of the temple (Ezekiel 45:1-6). Here it happens in connection with the division of the land among the twelve tribes. The LORD shows that He also asserts His right to the land in the division of the land. As Creator, the whole earth belongs to Him (Psalms 24:1-2). He also says explicitly in the law that the land belongs to Him (Leviticus 25:23). He has designated a portion of the land as an allotment or collection or heave-offering for Himself. That portion is first and foremost allotted to the priests (Ezekiel 48:10). The reason is that they are in direct connection with the sanctuary where they perform their service in the presence of the LORD.

The priests are further referred to as the sons of Zadok (Ezekiel 48:11). They are given this excellent place because of their outstanding faithfulness to the LORD at a time when the entire people, including the Levites, have strayed away from Him. They are given the charge of the land before the LORD that will be “a most holy place” to them (Ezekiel 48:12). They have made themselves worthy of that position. Their territory borders the territory of the Levites.

After the priests, the Levites are assigned a portion of the area given to the LORD as an allotment or a heave-offering (Ezekiel 48:13). Their area is adjacent to the area of the priests and runs parallel to it. Applied spiritually, this means that the offering of sacrifices (priestly service) runs parallel to the teaching of the Word from the Scriptures (Levite service). It connects and is consistent with it.

To the Levites, it is not so much their privileges that are recited, but rather their responsibilities (Ezekiel 48:14). They are not to take any action that would result in their land changing hands. They must remain well aware that their land is “holy to the LORD”, which means that they may enjoy only its usufruct.

Micah 1:10

The Allotment for the LORD

These verses repeat what has already been said in the description of the temple (Ezekiel 45:1-6). Here it happens in connection with the division of the land among the twelve tribes. The LORD shows that He also asserts His right to the land in the division of the land. As Creator, the whole earth belongs to Him (Psalms 24:1-2). He also says explicitly in the law that the land belongs to Him (Leviticus 25:23). He has designated a portion of the land as an allotment or collection or heave-offering for Himself. That portion is first and foremost allotted to the priests (Ezekiel 48:10). The reason is that they are in direct connection with the sanctuary where they perform their service in the presence of the LORD.

The priests are further referred to as the sons of Zadok (Ezekiel 48:11). They are given this excellent place because of their outstanding faithfulness to the LORD at a time when the entire people, including the Levites, have strayed away from Him. They are given the charge of the land before the LORD that will be “a most holy place” to them (Ezekiel 48:12). They have made themselves worthy of that position. Their territory borders the territory of the Levites.

After the priests, the Levites are assigned a portion of the area given to the LORD as an allotment or a heave-offering (Ezekiel 48:13). Their area is adjacent to the area of the priests and runs parallel to it. Applied spiritually, this means that the offering of sacrifices (priestly service) runs parallel to the teaching of the Word from the Scriptures (Levite service). It connects and is consistent with it.

To the Levites, it is not so much their privileges that are recited, but rather their responsibilities (Ezekiel 48:14). They are not to take any action that would result in their land changing hands. They must remain well aware that their land is “holy to the LORD”, which means that they may enjoy only its usufruct.

Micah 1:11

The Allotment for the LORD

These verses repeat what has already been said in the description of the temple (Ezekiel 45:1-6). Here it happens in connection with the division of the land among the twelve tribes. The LORD shows that He also asserts His right to the land in the division of the land. As Creator, the whole earth belongs to Him (Psalms 24:1-2). He also says explicitly in the law that the land belongs to Him (Leviticus 25:23). He has designated a portion of the land as an allotment or collection or heave-offering for Himself. That portion is first and foremost allotted to the priests (Ezekiel 48:10). The reason is that they are in direct connection with the sanctuary where they perform their service in the presence of the LORD.

The priests are further referred to as the sons of Zadok (Ezekiel 48:11). They are given this excellent place because of their outstanding faithfulness to the LORD at a time when the entire people, including the Levites, have strayed away from Him. They are given the charge of the land before the LORD that will be “a most holy place” to them (Ezekiel 48:12). They have made themselves worthy of that position. Their territory borders the territory of the Levites.

After the priests, the Levites are assigned a portion of the area given to the LORD as an allotment or a heave-offering (Ezekiel 48:13). Their area is adjacent to the area of the priests and runs parallel to it. Applied spiritually, this means that the offering of sacrifices (priestly service) runs parallel to the teaching of the Word from the Scriptures (Levite service). It connects and is consistent with it.

To the Levites, it is not so much their privileges that are recited, but rather their responsibilities (Ezekiel 48:14). They are not to take any action that would result in their land changing hands. They must remain well aware that their land is “holy to the LORD”, which means that they may enjoy only its usufruct.

Micah 1:12

The Allotment for the LORD

These verses repeat what has already been said in the description of the temple (Ezekiel 45:1-6). Here it happens in connection with the division of the land among the twelve tribes. The LORD shows that He also asserts His right to the land in the division of the land. As Creator, the whole earth belongs to Him (Psalms 24:1-2). He also says explicitly in the law that the land belongs to Him (Leviticus 25:23). He has designated a portion of the land as an allotment or collection or heave-offering for Himself. That portion is first and foremost allotted to the priests (Ezekiel 48:10). The reason is that they are in direct connection with the sanctuary where they perform their service in the presence of the LORD.

The priests are further referred to as the sons of Zadok (Ezekiel 48:11). They are given this excellent place because of their outstanding faithfulness to the LORD at a time when the entire people, including the Levites, have strayed away from Him. They are given the charge of the land before the LORD that will be “a most holy place” to them (Ezekiel 48:12). They have made themselves worthy of that position. Their territory borders the territory of the Levites.

After the priests, the Levites are assigned a portion of the area given to the LORD as an allotment or a heave-offering (Ezekiel 48:13). Their area is adjacent to the area of the priests and runs parallel to it. Applied spiritually, this means that the offering of sacrifices (priestly service) runs parallel to the teaching of the Word from the Scriptures (Levite service). It connects and is consistent with it.

To the Levites, it is not so much their privileges that are recited, but rather their responsibilities (Ezekiel 48:14). They are not to take any action that would result in their land changing hands. They must remain well aware that their land is “holy to the LORD”, which means that they may enjoy only its usufruct.

Micah 1:13

The Allotment for the LORD

These verses repeat what has already been said in the description of the temple (Ezekiel 45:1-6). Here it happens in connection with the division of the land among the twelve tribes. The LORD shows that He also asserts His right to the land in the division of the land. As Creator, the whole earth belongs to Him (Psalms 24:1-2). He also says explicitly in the law that the land belongs to Him (Leviticus 25:23). He has designated a portion of the land as an allotment or collection or heave-offering for Himself. That portion is first and foremost allotted to the priests (Ezekiel 48:10). The reason is that they are in direct connection with the sanctuary where they perform their service in the presence of the LORD.

The priests are further referred to as the sons of Zadok (Ezekiel 48:11). They are given this excellent place because of their outstanding faithfulness to the LORD at a time when the entire people, including the Levites, have strayed away from Him. They are given the charge of the land before the LORD that will be “a most holy place” to them (Ezekiel 48:12). They have made themselves worthy of that position. Their territory borders the territory of the Levites.

After the priests, the Levites are assigned a portion of the area given to the LORD as an allotment or a heave-offering (Ezekiel 48:13). Their area is adjacent to the area of the priests and runs parallel to it. Applied spiritually, this means that the offering of sacrifices (priestly service) runs parallel to the teaching of the Word from the Scriptures (Levite service). It connects and is consistent with it.

To the Levites, it is not so much their privileges that are recited, but rather their responsibilities (Ezekiel 48:14). They are not to take any action that would result in their land changing hands. They must remain well aware that their land is “holy to the LORD”, which means that they may enjoy only its usufruct.

Micah 1:14

The Allotment for the LORD

These verses repeat what has already been said in the description of the temple (Ezekiel 45:1-6). Here it happens in connection with the division of the land among the twelve tribes. The LORD shows that He also asserts His right to the land in the division of the land. As Creator, the whole earth belongs to Him (Psalms 24:1-2). He also says explicitly in the law that the land belongs to Him (Leviticus 25:23). He has designated a portion of the land as an allotment or collection or heave-offering for Himself. That portion is first and foremost allotted to the priests (Ezekiel 48:10). The reason is that they are in direct connection with the sanctuary where they perform their service in the presence of the LORD.

The priests are further referred to as the sons of Zadok (Ezekiel 48:11). They are given this excellent place because of their outstanding faithfulness to the LORD at a time when the entire people, including the Levites, have strayed away from Him. They are given the charge of the land before the LORD that will be “a most holy place” to them (Ezekiel 48:12). They have made themselves worthy of that position. Their territory borders the territory of the Levites.

After the priests, the Levites are assigned a portion of the area given to the LORD as an allotment or a heave-offering (Ezekiel 48:13). Their area is adjacent to the area of the priests and runs parallel to it. Applied spiritually, this means that the offering of sacrifices (priestly service) runs parallel to the teaching of the Word from the Scriptures (Levite service). It connects and is consistent with it.

To the Levites, it is not so much their privileges that are recited, but rather their responsibilities (Ezekiel 48:14). They are not to take any action that would result in their land changing hands. They must remain well aware that their land is “holy to the LORD”, which means that they may enjoy only its usufruct.

Micah 1:15

The Allotment for the LORD

These verses repeat what has already been said in the description of the temple (Ezekiel 45:1-6). Here it happens in connection with the division of the land among the twelve tribes. The LORD shows that He also asserts His right to the land in the division of the land. As Creator, the whole earth belongs to Him (Psalms 24:1-2). He also says explicitly in the law that the land belongs to Him (Leviticus 25:23). He has designated a portion of the land as an allotment or collection or heave-offering for Himself. That portion is first and foremost allotted to the priests (Ezekiel 48:10). The reason is that they are in direct connection with the sanctuary where they perform their service in the presence of the LORD.

The priests are further referred to as the sons of Zadok (Ezekiel 48:11). They are given this excellent place because of their outstanding faithfulness to the LORD at a time when the entire people, including the Levites, have strayed away from Him. They are given the charge of the land before the LORD that will be “a most holy place” to them (Ezekiel 48:12). They have made themselves worthy of that position. Their territory borders the territory of the Levites.

After the priests, the Levites are assigned a portion of the area given to the LORD as an allotment or a heave-offering (Ezekiel 48:13). Their area is adjacent to the area of the priests and runs parallel to it. Applied spiritually, this means that the offering of sacrifices (priestly service) runs parallel to the teaching of the Word from the Scriptures (Levite service). It connects and is consistent with it.

To the Levites, it is not so much their privileges that are recited, but rather their responsibilities (Ezekiel 48:14). They are not to take any action that would result in their land changing hands. They must remain well aware that their land is “holy to the LORD”, which means that they may enjoy only its usufruct.

Micah 1:16

The City and Its Area

Also in these verses what has already been said in the description of the temple (Ezekiel 45:7-8) is repeated, but is now said in connection with the division of the land. The city that lies before the LORD in this portion of the allotment or heave-offering does not belong specifically to any tribe, but belongs to all the tribes (Ezekiel 48:15; Ezekiel 48:19). Each tribe may send people to serve the city. So may it also be in the church. Every believer may serve his fellow believer.

The dimensions of the city are 4,500 cubits square (Ezekiel 48:16). Surrounding the city is a piece of pasture land two hundred and fifty cubits on each side (Ezekiel 48:17), bringing the total to 5,000 cubits (= 2.625 km) square (Ezekiel 48:15).

The whole area of the city Isaiah 25,000 cubits (= 13.125 km) wide: the city 5,000 cubits (= 2.625 km) with both to the east and west another area of 10,000 cubits (= 2x5.25 km) (Ezekiel 48:18). It is emphasized that the area runs “alongside the holy allotment [or: heave-offering]”.