1. Guai a chi trama l'iniquità, a chi progetta il male sul suo letto! Dallo spuntar del mattino lo eseguono, perché è in potere delle loro mani!
2. Essi bramano campi e se ne impadroniscono; le case e le prendono. Si impossessano così di un uomo e della sua casa, di un individuo e della sua proprietà.
3. Per questo così dice il Signore: Ecco io tramo contro questa genìa una sventura, da cui non potrete sottrarre i vostri colli né potrete marciare a testa alta, perché sarà tempo di sventura!
4. In quel giorno si comporrà su di voi una satira, si canterà un lamento e si dirà: "Siamo spogliati di tutto; l'eredità del mio popolo è misurata con la fune; né c'è chi può restituirgliela; a chi ci spoglia sono assegnati i nostri campi!".
5. Perciò non ci sarà per voi nessuno che getti la corda per il sorteggio nell'assemblea del Signore!
6. "Non vaticinate! -- essi vaticinano; -- non vaticinate tali cose! L'obbrobrio non ci capiterà!
7. Sarà forse maledetta la casa di Giacobbe? E' forse venuta meno la pazienza del Signore? E' forse questo il suo modo di agire? Non sono forse benevole le sue parole per il suo popolo Israele?".
8. Voi contro il mio popolo vi siete levati come un nemico! Al pacifico voi togliete il mantello; a chi cammina sicuro voi portate la guerra!
9. Voi cacciate le donne del mio popolo dalle case che esse amavano; voi togliete ai loro bambini l'onore che ho loro concesso in perpetuo!
10. In piedi! Avanti! Non è qui il riposo! Per un niente voi esigete un pegno insopportabile!
11. Se ci fosse un ispirato che proferisse la menzogna: "Ti profetizzo in virtù del vino e della birra!", egli sarebbe il profeta di questo popolo.
12. Io riunirò tutto quanto Giacobbe, raccoglierò il resto d'Israele! Li porrò insieme come gregge nello stazzo; come armento in mezzo al pascolo non avranno paura di nessuno.
13. Davanti a loro avanza il capofila; dietro a lui esse entrano ed escono; davanti a loro avanza il loro re: il Signore è alla loro testa!
Footnotes:
2:1-2 - Micah condemns those who practice injustice, stealing others' land, and oppressing the weak. God's condemnation of social injustice is a central theme, reflecting His justice regarding the exploitation of the poor and vulnerable (see also Proverbs 14:31 and Isaiah 10:1-2).
2:3-5 - God's judgment will come upon those who practice oppression. Micah's words reveal that injustice will result in the loss of inheritances and security for the wicked, indicating that God does not tolerate exploitation (see also Jeremiah 5:28 and Zechariah 7:10).
2:6-7 - The people of Israel react badly to Micah's message, rejecting the idea that God's judgment would come upon them. Their rejection of God's Word reflects the people's hardness of heart and pride (see also Isaiah 30:9-11 and Amos 2:12).
2:8-11 - The oppression and selfishness of the leaders are exposed, as they destroy the people and deceive the trust of the righteous. The image of the "remnant" begins to appear as the hope of restoration, showing that God will still have mercy on a small, faithful group (see also Isaiah 1:23 and Jeremiah 23:1-4).
2:12-13 - Micah concludes with a promise of restoration, where God will gather His people again, symbolizing the faithful remnant who will be saved. The promise of salvation and restoration is a sign of God's mercy (see also Ezekiel 37:21-28 and Romans 11:5-6).
Verses related to Michea, 2:
Micah chapter 2 exposes social corruption and future hope. What injustices does God condemn? This incisive text denounces the oppression of the powerful against the poor, the greed of leaders and the rejection of the prophetic word. Micah reveals God's heart for social justice and His promise of future restoration. The chapter balances judgment with hope, pointing to a time of reunion and liberation for God's people. Consider with us five biblical passages that echo the pressing themes of this challenging chapter.
Isaiah 5:8: "Woe to you who acquire house after house and field after field, until there is no space left and you are left as the only inhabitants of the land." - This verse from Isaiah reflects the same theme as Micah 2:1-2 about the greed of the powerful.
Amos 2:6: "Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of Israel, and even more for four, I will not suspend the punishment. They sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals." - Amos, like Micah in 2:1-2, condemns the oppression of the poor by the rich.
Jeremiah 23:17: "They keep saying to those who despise the word of the Lord, 'You will have peace.' And to all who follow the stubbornness of their hearts they say: 'You will not suffer any misfortune'." - This verse echoes Micah's criticism of false prophets in 2:11.
Ezekiel 13:10: "Because they led my people astray, saying, Peace, when there is no peace, and because when a weak wall is built, they cover it with mortar," - Like Micah 2:11, Ezekiel criticizes false prophets who promise peace when judgment is near.
Zephaniah 3:19-20: "At that time I will punish all who oppressed you; I will save the crippled and gather the scattered. I will give them praise and honor in all the lands where they have been shamed. At that time will I bring them, yes, I will gather them together." - This verse reflects the promise of restoration in Micah 2:12-13.
FAQ:
What does Micah denounce against the leaders of Israel and Judah in Micah 2?
Micah denounces leaders who practice oppression, steal land, and exploit the poor, while prophesying false promises of peace. (Micah 2:1-3)
What does God promise to the faithful remnant of Israel?
God promises to restore the faithful remnant of Israel, bringing them back to their land and establishing a kingdom of peace and prosperity. (Micah 2:12-13)
How does Micah describe the situation of the people who turned away from God?
Micah describes a lost and sinful people, seeking their own interests and turning away from God’s laws, which will result in destruction. (Micah 2:4-5)
What does God's promise about Israel's restoration mean?
The restoration of Israel represents a return to the covenant with God, the healing of spiritual wounds, and the restoration of justice and prosperity to the land. (Micah 2:12)
What does Micah highlight as important to true repentance?
Micah emphasizes that true repentance involves justice, mercy, and faithfulness to God, not just empty words or outward rituals. (Micah 2:6-7)
