Read the Passage: Micah 3-5
Wicked Rulers (3:1–12)
Just as was the case in his first cycle of judgment, so here at the beginning of his second cycle of judgment Micah condemns Israel’s corrupt leaders. Micah had in mind both policial rulers and religious leaders as he indicted them for their perversion for justice. Indeed, Micah describes Israel’s leaders as those “who hate good and love evil” (Mic. 3:2). This statement echoes the words of Micah’s contemporary, Isaiah, who wrote, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isa. 5:20). In Micah 3:2–3 the prophet details how the corrupt leaders were pillaging the people rather than shepherding them. Next, in Mic. 3:4, God revealed that He would not hear the prayers of the rulers; rather, He would send night, darkness, and shame upon the apostate religious leaders.
As he continues to rebuke Israel’s leaders, Micah again describes them as those “who abhor justice and pervert all equity” (Mic. 3:9). Observe that Scripture is clear that God loathes those who distort truth and justice. In the book of Proverbs Solomon taught, “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord” (Prov. 17:15), and, “He who says to the wicked, ‘You are righteous,’ him the people will curse; nations will abhor him” (Prov. 24:24). In Mic. 3:11 God’s anger seethes as He describes Israel’s leaders as theological mercenaries, for, “Her heads judge for a bribe, her priests teach for pay, and her prophets divine for money” (cf. Mic. 7:3). Finally, just as He’d done in his first cycle of judgment, so at Mic. 3:12 God reveals the inevitability of the looming destruction of the land, the city, and the temple.
God’s Reign (4:1–13)
Given that Micah’s message of hope in his first cycle of judgment consisted of only two verses (cf. Mic. 2:12–13), it is surprising to note that the majority of the content in the longer second cycle of judgment consists of words of encouragement and promise. In fact, it may be more accurate to label Mic. 3–5 as a cycle of restoration and hope, not of judgment. In Mic. 4:1–5 God speaks about what things will look like “in the latter days” (Mic. 4:1). As is the case with many prophecies, this passage describes both a present reality and a future fulfillment, for “the latter days” can refer to any time between the cross and Jesus’ return. Indeed, presently God has established the church as a heavenly Jerusalem (cf. Gal. 4:26; Heb. 12:22–23) and people from all nations are flowing into it to learn God’s law and to know peace. This will become a greater reality in the future.
With many prophecies in Scripture, as they unfold or are repeated, they tend to become more eschatological in nature. Here, in Mic. 4:6–13, the present prophecy of hope and restoration focuses mainly on events that will occur when Jesus returns; although echoes of fulfillment can be seen in the Jewish exiles’ return from Babylon, as well as in the growth of the church. In Mic. 4:6–8 God encourages the people, as he reveals that in His kingdom the lame, the outcast, and the afflicted will become strong, will reign, and will have dominion. In Mic. 4:9–10 God teaches that while judgment and exile was imminent, deliverance and redemption was also assured. Finally, in Mic. 4:11–13 God explains that not only will His people be delivered, but also they will triumph over their enemies. Note in this passage God likens His enemies to grain that will be threshed by His people.
Messiah’s Arrival (5:1–15)
In Mic. 5:1–5 the prophecy of hope and restoration continues, with Mic. 5:2 being a key prophecy of the Messiah that is cited in the New Testament at Matt. 2:5–6; John 7:42. This passage reads, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting” (Mic. 5:2). This passage is important for it not only mentions a coming Messiah, but also the location of His birth. Indeed, it is the location of Jesus’ birth—Bethlehem, the city where David was born—that is in view when Mic. 5:2 is cited in the Gospels. Finally, in Mic. 5:6–15 God describes the destruction of the enemies of His people, including Assyria, Babylon, and “all your enemies” (Mic. 5:9), including “the nations that have not obeyed” (Mic. 5:15).
Application Questions:
- How does the biblical category of hope differ from the idea of hope as it is expressed within the modern context?
- What are some reasons why God might refuse to hear and/or answer our prayers (cf. 1 Pet. 3:7; 1 John 5:16)?
- If the political rulers and religious leaders were responsible for the nation’s sins, why were the people condemned?
- Throughout history, in what ways have God’s people triumphed over the fallen and hostile world?
- In what ways can the promise of the return of Christ, and the deliverance of God’s people, encourage the church?
