Micah 3:5-8

5 Thus says the LORD concerning the prophets who ¹lead my people astray; When they have something to bite with their teeth, They ²cry, "Peace," But against him who puts nothing in their mouths They declare holy war.

6 Therefore it will be ³night for you-without vision, And darkness for you-without divination. The ⁴sun will go down on the prophets, And the day will become dark over them.

7 The seers will be ⁵ashamed And the ⁶diviners will be embarrassed. Indeed, they will all ⁷cover their mouths Because there is ⁸no answer from God.

8 On the other hand ⁹I am filled with power - With the Spirit of the LORD - And with justice and courage To ¹⁰make known to Jacob his rebellious act, Even to Israel his sin.

Micah 3:5-8 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO MICAH 3

In this chapter the prophet reproves and threatens both princes and prophets, first separately, and then conjunctly; first the heads and princes of the people, civil magistrates, for their ignorance of justice, and hatred of good, and love of evil, and for their oppression and cruelty; and they are threatened with distress when they should cry unto the Lord, and should not be heard by him, Mic 3:1-4; next the prophets are taken to task, for their voraciousness, avarice, and false prophesying; and are threatened with darkness, with want of vision, and of an answer from the Lord, and with shame and confusion, Mic 3:5-7; and the prophet being full of the Spirit and power of God, to declare the sins and transgressions of Jacob and Israel, Mic 3:8, very freely declaims against princes, priests, and prophets, all together; who, though guilty of very notorious crimes, yet were in great security, and promised themselves impunity, Mic 3:9-11; wherefore the city and temple of Jerusalem are threatened with an utter desolation, Mic 3:12.

Cross References

• 1. Isaiah 3:12; Isaiah 9:15, 16; Jeremiah 14:14, 15
• 2. Jeremiah 6:14
• 3. Isaiah 8:20-22; Isaiah 29:10-12
• 4. Isaiah 59:10
• 5. Zechariah 13:4
• 6. Isaiah 44:25; Isaiah 47:12-14
• 7. Micah 7:16
• 8. 1 Samuel 28:6; Micah 3:4
• 9. Isaiah 61:1, 2; Jeremiah 1:18
• 10. Isaiah 58:1

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "mustache"