Micah 2 and 3
IDOLATRY, the crowning sin of the children of Israel, has been mentioned, and chapter 2 makes further disclosures of the inward state of the people. They were deep, in iniquity and planned their evil schemes during the bedtime hours, so as to employ the daytime fully in wickedness. Covetousness, oppression, violence, marked their ways (verses 1, 2). God therefore declares that He too will devise—an evil, from which these guilty ones shall not escape. Men do not realize that God is to be met; that His eyes see all that goes on in the world.
In verse 10 an important principle is stated: “Arise ye and depart, for this is not your rest; because it is polluted. . .” God would never have His people at rest amid defilement; separation from iniquity is the necessary path of those who would walk with Him.
Verse 12 brings the blessed promise of God for Israel; His unfailing word guarantees to “all” of Jacob, though it be but a “remnant” they will be put together as sheep are gathered into the fold by their watchful shepherd. There will be a joyful noise from that multitude!
But a “breaker” must act for these sheep (verse 13); it is God, who will break down every hindrance and clear the way as none but He can do, for the settlement of His earthly people in the land He appointed for them long, long ago.
In chapter 3 we enter upon the body of Micah’s prophecy. Those directly responsible for the awful condition of the children of Israel, the heads and princes, and the prophets, seers and diviners are confronted with the truth about their own lives. What a picture these verses present! Was it not for the governors of the land to know and to practice judgment? but they hated the good, and loved the evil; they devoured the substance of those without power to resist them.
God is not mocked (verse 4): “Then shall they cry unto the Lord, but He will not hear them.” He will hide His face from them because of the working evil.
Verses 5-7 deal with the prophets, seers and diviners, —false, all of them, using their positions to deceive and to get advantage over their victims. The day drew near when they should be quite unable to pretend to get an answer from God; their trade would be gone.
ML 04/04/1937