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Commentaries
3:1 - 3:4
Second Denunciation.
Those who should fight for justice and protect the most vulnerable are often the ones who exploit them. Corruption is so widespread that the prophet describes the political leaders of Israel, who also serve as judges, as cannibals. Therefore, when calamity hits, the Lord will not aid them.
3:5 - 3:8
The Prophets and the Prophet.
False prophets are mercenaries. Those who have the ministry of the word distort it to serve their own interests and confuse the people, leading them astray from the way of the Lord. This is what the prophet describes as sin: taking the wrong path instead of “walking humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). In this hostile environment to the truth, the true prophet receives his strength and wisdom from the Lord to denounce the sin of the people (8); the truth, even if it hurts, is the only way to bring about conversion and restoration for Israel.
3:9 - 3:12
Denunciation and Sentence.
The prophet’s warning is direct: the leaders of Israel, including kings, princes, priests, and false prophets, sacrifice the people for personal gain and to maintain their power. The sin of these leaders who misuse their authority and even the word of the Lord to control and deceive the people will lead to the complete destruction of the holy city and its temple (cf. Ez 10:18-22).
Commentaries
Second Denunciation.
Those who should fight for justice and protect the most vulnerable are often the ones who exploit them. Corruption is so widespread that the prophet describes the political leaders of Israel, who also serve as judges, as cannibals. Therefore, when calamity hits, the Lord will not aid them.
The Prophets and the Prophet.
False prophets are mercenaries. Those who have the ministry of the word distort it to serve their own interests and confuse the people, leading them astray from the way of the Lord. This is what the prophet describes as sin: taking the wrong path instead of “walking humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). In this hostile environment to the truth, the true prophet receives his strength and wisdom from the Lord to denounce the sin of the people (8); the truth, even if it hurts, is the only way to bring about conversion and restoration for Israel.
Denunciation and Sentence.
The prophet’s warning is direct: the leaders of Israel, including kings, princes, priests, and false prophets, sacrifice the people for personal gain and to maintain their power. The sin of these leaders who misuse their authority and even the word of the Lord to control and deceive the people will lead to the complete destruction of the holy city and its temple (cf. Ez 10:18-22).