Micah 2:1-6

Oppressors Judged

1 Woe to those who dream up wickedness and prepare evil [plans][a]on their beds! At morning light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands.
2 They covet fields and seize them; they also take houses. They deprive a man of his home, a person of his inheritance.[b]
3 Therefore, the Lord says: I am now planning a disaster against this nation; you cannot free your necks from it. Then you will not walk so proudly because it will be an evil time.
4 In that day one will take up a taunt against you, and lament mournfully, saying: We are totally ruined! He measures out the allotted land of my people. How He removes [it] from me! He allots our fields to traitors.
5 Therefore, there will be no one in the assembly of the Lord to divide the land by casting lots.[c][d]

God's Word Rejected

6 "Stop your preaching," they[e] preach. "They should not preach these things; shame will not overtake us."[f]

Micah 2:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO MICAH 2

In this chapter complaint is made of the sins of the people of Israel, and they are threatened with punishment for them. The sins they are charged with are covetousness, oppression, and injustice, which were premeditated, and done deliberately, Mic 2:1,2; therefore the Lord devised evil against them, they should not escape; and which would bring down their pride, and cause them to take up a lamentation, because they should not enjoy the portion of land that belonged to them, Mic 2:3-5; they are further charged with opposing the prophets of the Lord, the folly and wickedness of which is exposed, Mic 2:6,7; and with great inhumanity and barbarity, even to women and children, Mic 2:8,9; and therefore are ordered to expect and prepare for a removal out of their land, Mic 2:10; and the rather, since they gave encouragement and heed to false prophets, and delighted in them, Mic 2:11; and the chapter is concluded with words of comfort to the remnant among them, and with precious promises of the Messiah, and the blessings of grace by him, Mic 2:12,13.

Footnotes 6

  • [a]. Isa 32:7
  • [b]. Ex 20:17; Isa 5:8
  • [c]. Lit Lord stretching the measuring line by lot
  • [d]. Nm 34:13; Jos 18:10
  • [e]. the prophets
  • [f]. Text emended; MT reads things. Shame will not depart.
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