Mic 3:1 | KingComments | STEP | This chapter can be divided into three equal parts. Each of the three parts begins with an accusation against the responsible leaders and ends with a condemnation: 1. are addressed to the heads and leaders, 2. to the false prophets and 3. to the two preceding categories, to which the priests are added. The keyword is the word ‘justice’ ( ). Micah addresses “Jacob” and “Israel” again. He did so in the blessing at the end of the previous chapter ( ). There, it is about a faithful remnant while here, it is about the unfaithful leaders. The “heads” and “rulers” are judges and governors, the civil authorities. Micah asks them a penetrating question that must touch their conscience. They, who know more than anyone what justice is and judge others, do the worst injustice. In a terrible way they are twisting the law that they have to maintain and that is laid down in the law of Moses. With this they dishonor above all the LORD, for He is the Lawgiver. In many ways they resemble the Pharisees and scribes in the days of the Lord Jesus. The Lord denounces the pious behavior of these people and their exploitation of the socially weak ( ). These law enforcers look down on the ‘ignorant’ people with contempt ( ). Blinded by the pursuit of their own interests, they are always out to kill Him Who has given the law ( ).

‏ Micah 3:1

Introduction

This chapter can be divided into three equal parts. Each of the three parts begins with an accusation against the responsible leaders and ends with a condemnation:

1. Mic 3:1-4 are addressed to the heads and leaders,

2. Mic 3:5-8 to the false prophets and

3. Mic 3:9-12 to the two preceding categories, to which the priests are added.

The keyword is the word ‘justice’ (Mic 3:1 ; 8 ; 9).

Knowing Justice

Micah addresses “Jacob” and “Israel” again. He did so in the blessing at the end of the previous chapter (Mic 2:12). There, it is about a faithful remnant while here, it is about the unfaithful leaders. The “heads” and “rulers” are judges and governors, the civil authorities.

Micah asks them a penetrating question that must touch their conscience. They, who know more than anyone what justice is and judge others, do the worst injustice. In a terrible way they are twisting the law that they have to maintain and that is laid down in the law of Moses. With this they dishonor above all the LORD, for He is the Lawgiver.

In many ways they resemble the Pharisees and scribes in the days of the Lord Jesus. The Lord denounces the pious behavior of these people and their exploitation of the socially weak (Mk 12:38-40). These law enforcers look down on the ‘ignorant’ people with contempt (Jn 7:49). Blinded by the pursuit of their own interests, they are always out to kill Him Who has given the law (Jn 5:18 ; Jn 11:53).