1. væ qui cogitatis inutile et operamini malum in cubilibus vestris in luce matutina faciunt illud quoniam contra Deum est manus eorum
2. et concupierunt agros et violenter tulerunt et domos rapuerunt et calumniabantur virum et domum ejus virum et hereditatem ejus
3. idcirco hæc dicit Dominus ecce ego cogito super familiam istam malum unde non auferetis colla vestra et non ambulabitis superbi quoniam tempus pessimum est
4. in die illa sumetur super vos parabola et cantabitur canticum cum suavitate dicentium depopulatione vastati sumus pars populi mei commutata est quomodo recedet a me cum revertatur qui regiones nostras dividat
5. propter hoc non erit tibi mittens funiculum sortis in cœtu Domini
6. ne loquamini loquentes non stillabit super istos non conprehendet confusio
7. dicit domus Jacob numquid adbreviatus est spiritus Domini aut tales sunt cogitationes ejus nonne verba mea bona sunt cum eo qui recte graditur
8. et e contrario populus meus in adversarium consurrexit desuper tunica pallium sustulistis eos qui transiebant simpliciter convertistis in bellum
9. mulieres populi mei ejecistis de domo deliciarum suarum a parvulis earum tulistis laudem meam in perpetuum
10. surgite et ite quia non habetis hic requiem propter inmunditiam ejus corrumpetur putredine pessima
11. utinam non essem vir habens spiritum et mendacium potius loquerer stillabo tibi in vinum et in ebrietatem et erit super quem stillatur populus iste
12. congregatione congregabo Jacob totum te in unum conducam reliquias Israël pariter ponam illum quasi gregem in ovili quasi pecus in medio caularum tumultuabuntur a multitudine hominum
13. ascendet enim pandens iter ante eos divident et transibunt portam et egredientur per eam et transibit rex eorum coram eis et Dominus in capite eorum
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 Prophetia Michaeae, 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)
