Minor Prophets LVI: Blissful Ignorance

I will now summarize each strophe in Chapter 2 of Micah 2:1-5; 2:6-11; and 2:12-13.

(v.1-5) Woe is pronounced on those planning iniquity before they actually perform it in what appears to be broad daylight. Some of these iniquities include coveting and taking other peoples assets and goods. Defrauding and planning general mayhem against others. The Lord announces disaster from which they will not escape. There will be no more pretense from them they will be scorned, ridiculed and taunted and they will know and understand how they have fallen. The entire system they live within will be destroyed or “no one in the assembly of the LORD to divide the land.

(v.6-11) Micah accuses those who glory in their own power and refusing to repent when confronted with true prophecies from God’s real and true prophets. They figure if the shut the prophets up and get them to stop prophesying the judgment of God will never overtake them…the proverbial ostrich’s head in the ground. Verse 7 quotes the false prophets/theologians and Micah shuts them down. Those disillusioned believe they will still be in God’s grace but they will not because they are not upright because God only does good to those that are righteous. Verse 8-9 escalates the charges against Israel, “strip off the rich robe from those who pass by without a care, like men returning from battle” Also, “You drive the women of my people from their pleasant homes.” They have become defiled by false prophets. Micah sarcastically tells the people to “go away” into exile and they wouldn’t have known right from wrong as in verse 11, “if a liar and deceiver comes and says, ‘I will prophesy for you plenty of wine and beer, ”he would be just the prophet for this people!” (Baker 160)

(v.12-13) Predicts/Assures a future re-gathering of a remnant like sheep in the pen. One who breaks open the way will go before them, one to pass through before them…their King.

Baker, David W., T. Desmond Alexander, and Bruce K. Waltke. "Venal Land Barons Sentenced to Exile." Obadiah,Jonah, Micah: An Introduction and Commentary. Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1988. 159-160. Print.