Micah 3:1-9

1 et dixi audite principes Iacob et duces domus Israhel numquid non vestrum est scire iudicium

2 qui odio habetis bonum et diligitis malum qui violenter tollitis pelles eorum desuper eos et carnem eorum desuper ossibus eorum

3 qui comederunt carnem populi mei et pellem eorum desuper excoriaverunt et ossa eorum confregerunt et conciderunt sicut in lebete et quasi carnem in medio ollae

4 tunc clamabunt ad Dominum et non exaudiet eos et abscondet faciem suam ab eis in tempore illo sicut nequiter egerunt in adinventionibus suis

5 haec dicit Dominus super prophetas qui seducunt populum meum qui mordent dentibus suis et praedicant pacem et si quis non dederit in ore eorum quippiam sanctificant super eum proelium

6 propterea nox vobis pro visione erit et tenebrae vobis pro divinatione et occumbet sol super prophetas et obtenebrabitur super eos dies

7 et confundentur qui vident visiones et confundentur divini et operient vultus suos omnes quia non est responsum Dei

8 verumtamen ego repletus sum fortitudine spiritus Domini iudicio et virtute ut adnuntiem Iacob scelus suum et Israhel peccatum suum

9 audite haec principes domus Iacob et iudices domus Israhel qui abominamini iudicium et omnia recta pervertitis

Micah 3:1-9 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.