Micah 3

CHAPTER 3

Leaders and Prophets Rebuked (3:1–12)

1–4 In this chapter Micah rebukes the political and religious leaders of Jacob (Israel); here Micah is referring to the leaders of all Israel, including Judah. In these verses, he figuratively accuses the leaders of devouring the very people they should have been protecting.

Therefore, when these same leaders are themselves “devoured” by Assyria and they cry out to the Lord for help, they will receive no answer (verse 4). Those who show no mercy to others can expect no mercy themselves.

5–7 Micah next rebukes the false prophets of Israel, the seers and diviners (verse 7), who prophesy for food and money and tell the people what they want to hear. If one doesn’t feed them, they then become his enemy (verse 5). Such prophets will receive no visions, no communication from God.

8–12 Micah, however, was not like these false prophets; he was inspired by the HOLY SPIRIT. He spoke the truth whether people wanted to hear it or not.

In these verses, Micah speaks mainly to the leaders of Judah who have built up Zion (Jerusalem) with bloodshed and wickedness (verses 9–10). Yet they believe they are still under God’s covenant protection; they lean upon the LORD, but not with true faith (verse 11). Their religion is only external; they have forgotten the meaning of true religion (see Isaiah 1:17; Micah 6:6–8; James 1:27). As a result, the Jerusalem they have built up will be plowed like a field (verse 12); it will be utterly destroyed, and its leaders will be destroyed along with it.¹⁰