Tyndale Open Study NotesMicah 2

This message of judgment focuses on key themes in Micah's prophecies. It shows God's decision to judge his people and send them into exile (Micah 1:16; 2:4–5). However, it ends with the Lord's promise to save a small group from exile (Micah 2:12–13).

• Power had corrupted the wealthy, who should have been ready to help their fellow Israelites (compare Genesis 4:9; Joshua 1:14).

• Thinking up evil plans because you have the power to do so shows a corrupt heart, mind, and character (Genesis 6:5).

• They covet: They took others' property, which was like stealing and broke God's law against coveting (Exodus 20:17). A family's inheritance was a sacred gift from the Lord, meant to be a permanent possession (Leviticus 25:8–55; compare 1 Kings 21; Isaiah 5:8). God sought righteousness among his people, but instead, he found oppression (1 Kings 10:9; Isaiah 5:7; 2 Peter 2:13).

The Lord, acting as a judge, announces the sentence. He will repay his people's wicked hearts and actions with disaster. The prophet uses wordplay here. The Hebrew word for "evil" has many meanings. It can mean moral evil, as in the first case, or calamity or disaster, as in the second. The Lord will bring disaster on them because of their wickedness.

The leaders would lose their wealth when their enemies took their property. The land they had taken unfairly from other Israelites would be taken away from them in return (Micah 2:5).

• There was a weak attempt to silence a true prophet.

• they preach: They believed that exile and other disasters could not happen to them, but they were mistaken.

Mistreating their fellow Israelites was like attacking the Lord and his prophet. The people were at fault, not Micah's inspired and righteous message.

These wicked individuals enjoyed listening to lies from their favorite prophets who promised good times (compare Jeremiah 28:8–9). False prophets assured Israel and Judah that they could avoid judgment. When judgment arrived, they offered no comfort.

God demonstrated his love and care for his rebellious people by promising them hope, even while mentioning exile and despair. Although Israel would be scattered, they would return (compare Deuteronomy 4:26–29; 30:1–6).

The Lord led Israel out of exile, hinting at the greater freedom from slavery that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would later provide.