1. et dixi audite principes Jacob et duces domus Israël numquid non vestrum est scire judicium
2. qui odio habetis bonum et diligitis malum qui violenter tollitis pelles eorum desuper eos et carnem eorum desuper ossibus eorum
3. qui comederunt carnem populi mei et pellem eorum desuper excoriaverunt et ossa eorum confregerunt et conciderunt sicut in lebete et quasi carnem in medio ollæ
4. tunc clamabunt ad Dominum et non exaudiet eos et abscondet faciem suam ab eis in tempore illo sicut nequiter egerunt in adinventionibus suis
5. hæc dicit Dominus super prophetas qui seducunt populum meum qui mordent dentibus suis et prædicant pacem et si quis non dederit in ore eorum quippiam sanctificant super eum prœlium
6. propterea nox vobis pro visione erit et tenebræ vobis pro divinatione et occumbet sol super prophetas et obtenebrabitur super eos dies
7. et confundentur qui vident visiones et confundentur divini et operient vultus suos omnes quia non est responsum Dei
8. verumtamen ego repletus sum fortitudine spiritus Domini judicio et virtute ut adnuntiem Jacob scelus suum et Israël peccatum suum
9. audite hæc principes domus Jacob et judices domus Israël qui abominamini judicium et omnia recta pervertitis
10. qui ædificatis Sion in sanguinibus et Hierusalem in iniquitate
11. principes ejus in muneribus judicabant et sacerdotes ejus in mercede docebant et prophetæ ejus in pecunia divinabant et super Dominum requiescebant dicentes numquid non Dominus in medio nostrum non venient super nos mala
12. propter hoc causa vestri Sion quasi ager arabitur et Hierusalem quasi acervus lapidum erit et mons templi in excelsa silvarum
Footnotes:
3:1-3 - Micah denounces the leaders of Israel and Judah, accusing them of devouring the people and acting corruptly. The injustice of the rulers brings God's judgment upon the people, reflecting the responsibility of leaders for the well-being of society (see also Isaiah 56:10-12 and Jeremiah 23:1-2).
3:4 - The prophet warns that when people cry out to God in the midst of suffering, He will not hear them, for they have ignored His justice. People's rejection of God results in His absence in times of need (see also Proverbs 1:24-28 and Zechariah 7:13).
3:5-8 - Micah presents himself as a true prophet, contrasting his righteousness with the corrupt prophets who preach for profit. God's true message is based on justice and fairness, not on the pursuit of personal gain (see also Jeremiah 23:16-22 and Matthew 7:15-20).
3:9-12 - The prophet continues to denounce the corruption and false teaching of the leaders and prophets. The city of Jerusalem will be destroyed due to wickedness and oppression, showing that wickedness leads to destruction (see also Isaiah 1:21-23 and Matthew 23:37-39).
03:13 - The corruption of leaders leads to judgment, symbolized by the destruction of Jerusalem. The accountability of rulers and spiritual leaders is central to divine justice (see also Ezekiel 34:2-10 and James 3:1).
Verses related to Prophetia Michaeae, 3:
Micah chapter 3 confronts Israel's corrupt leadership. How have leaders betrayed their calling? This scathing text condemns unjust judges, mercenary prophets, and greedy priests who distort the truth for profit. Micah contrasts his own prophetic integrity with the moral failure of the leaders. The chapter culminates with the announcement of judgment on Jerusalem, highlighting the consequences of systemic injustice. Investigate with us five biblical passages that resonate with the critical themes of this provocative chapter.
Jeremiah 5:31: "Prophets prophesy lies, priests rule by their own authority, and my people like that. But what will you do when this is all over?" - Like Micah 3:5-7, Jeremiah criticizes corrupt religious leaders.
Ezekiel 22:27: "Their leaders are like wolves that tear their prey to pieces; they shed blood and kill people for dishonest profits." - This verse echoes Micah's denunciation of corrupt leaders in 3:1-3.
Isaiah 1:23: "Their leaders are rebels, friends of thieves; They all love bribery and are after gifts. They do not defend the rights of the orphan; and the widow's cause does not reach them." - Isaiah, like Micah in 3:9-11, condemns the corruption of leaders.
Amos 7:7-8: "He showed me yet another vision: The Lord was standing next to a wall built with plumb lines, and he had a plumb line in his hand. And the Lord asked me, 'What do you see, Amos?' 'A plumb line,' I replied. Then the Lord said, 'Behold, I will set a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will spare him no more.'" - Just as Micah 3:12 prophesies the judgment of Jerusalem, Amos uses the image of the plumb line to speak of the judgment of Israel.
Psalms 79:1: "O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance; They desecrated your holy temple and reduced Jerusalem to ruins." - This psalm laments the destruction of Jerusalem, which Micah prophesies in 3:12.
FAQ:
What does Micah condemn about Israel's leaders in Micah 3?
Micah condemns Israel's leaders for their corruption, seeking only their own interests and exploiting the poor and weak, rather than upholding justice. (Micah 3:1-3)
What does Micah prophesy about the fate of corrupt leaders?
Micah prophesies that corrupt leaders will face God's wrath, and their prayers will be ignored because of their injustice and disloyalty. (Micah 3:4)
What does Micah say about prophets who deceive the people?
Micah denounces prophets who preach false promises in exchange for personal gain, warning that they will be punished for their lies. (Micah 3:5-7)
How does Micah contrast the leaders of Israel with the true prophet of God?
Micah presents himself as the true prophet, who speaks out for God with courage and denounces injustice, while other prophets and leaders are corrupted. (Micah 3:8)
What does Micah prophesy about Jerusalem in Micah 3?
Micah prophesies that Jerusalem will be destroyed because of the corruption of its leaders and the moral bankruptcy of its people, but there is still hope for restoration. (Micah 3:12)
