Evil Rulers and Lying Prophets

Micah 3:1–12
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In this chapter Micah denounces the leaders of Israel for their sins. First, it is the princes; second, the prophets, who were the spiritual leaders; and last, all the leaders of Jerusalem, including the princes, the prophets, and the priests. “Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob” (v. 1). He is speaking to the rulers of Israel. He says, “You have judged others for their misdeeds, but you are doing the same things."  It is difficult for a judge who had been at a cocktail party the night before and had become a little tipsy himself to sentence a man the next day who has killed somebody because he was driving while drunk. In Micah’s day the leadership actually hated the good and loved the evil (vv. 2-4). Men like that are not fit to be in positions of leadership.

The false prophets were like vicious animals or like serpents with forked tongues and fangs that would poison (v. 5). Their messages were geared to the favors they received (v. 6). Micah prophesied that one day the false prophets would be shamed by their actions (v. 7). He attributed the power of his ministry to the Spirit of the Lord (v. 8).

Up to now Micah has been speaking to the northern kingdom of Israel but now he turns specifically to Jerusalem (v. 9). He accuses the leaders of making cruelty and murder a way of life in Jerusalem (v. 10). Micah severely condemned religious leaders who ministered only if they get paid for it (v. 11). The judges were judging for reward; the priests were teaching for hire; and the prophets were prophesying for money. This is Micah’s message to them and to us. This is a prediction that for their sins there will be a complete desolation of the city of Jerusalem (v. 12).

Application

It has been said that the only thing we learn from history is that we have not learned anything.  Lord help me to not fall for the things the world has to offer but to follow you.