Micah 3:5-8

False Prophets Judged

5 This is what the Lord says concerning the prophets who lead my people astray,^[a] who proclaim peace when they have [food] to sink their teeth into but declare war against the one who puts nothing in their mouths.

6 Therefore, it will be night for you- without visions; it will grow dark for you- without divination.^[b] The sun will set on these prophets, and the daylight will turn black over them.

7 Then the seers will be ashamed and the diviners disappointed. They will all cover their mouths^[c][d] because there will be no answer from God.^[e]

8 But as for me, I am filled with power by the Spirit of the Lord, with justice and courage, to proclaim to Jacob his rebellion and to Israel his sin.^[f]

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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Isa 3:12; 9:15-16
• [b]. Dt 18:10; Jos 13:22
• [c]. Lit mustache
• [d]. Lv 13:45; Lm 4:13-15; Ezk 24:17,22
• [e]. Mc 3:4; Isa 29:9-12
• [f]. Isa 58:1