Micah 6:15

15 You will sow but not reap; you will press olives but not anoint yourself with oil; and [you will tread] grapes but not drink the wine.

Micah 6:15 Meaning and Commentary

Micah 6:15

Thou shall sow, but thou shalt not reap
Either that which is sown shall not spring up, but rot in the earth; or if it does spring up, and come to maturity, yet, before that, they should be removed into captivity, or slain by the sword, and their enemies should reap the increase of their land, their wheat and their grain: thou shall tread the olives;
in the olive press, to get out the oil: but thou shalt not anoint with oil;
as at feasts for refreshment, and at baths for health, this becoming another's property; or, it being a time of distress and mourning, would not be used, it being chiefly at festivals, and occasions of joy, that oil was used: and sweet wine;
that is, shalt tread the grapes in the winepress, to get out the sweet or new wine: but shalt not drink wine;
for, before it is fit to drink, the enemy would have it in his possession; see ( Leviticus 26:16 ) ( Deuteronomy 28:30 ) ; these are the punishments or corrections of the rod they are threatened with for their sins.

Micah 6:15 In-Context

13 "As a result, I have begun to strike you severely, bringing desolation because of your sins.

14 You will eat but not be satisfied, for there will be hunger within you. What you acquire, you cannot save, and what you do save, I will give to the sword.

15 You will sow but not reap; you will press olives but not anoint yourself with oil; and [you will tread] grapes but not drink the wine.

16 The statutes of Omri and all the practices of Ahab's house have been observed; you have followed their policies. Therefore, I will make you a desolate place and the city's residents an object of contempt; you will bear the scorn of My people."