Micah 3:1-12

Addressing himself directly to the rulers of the people, in this second message the prophet describes their peculiar sin, and announces the coming judgment. He then foretells the coming of the one true Ruler, and the consequent deliverance. In dealing with the sins of the rulers, he first addresses the heads or princes, charging them with being corrupt. As to character, they hate the good, and as to conduct they spoil the people.

Turning to the prophets, he declares that their sin is that they make the people to err, exercising their sacred office for their own welfare. If they were fed, they were prepared to cry peace; if they were not fed, they made war. Judgment must overtake them in kind. Micah defends his own ministry by contrasting it with others.

He finally deals with all the ruling classes and his summary of their sin is forceful. The heads judge for reward; the priests teach for hire; the prophets divine for money. As a result of their sin, judgment must fall on Zion and Jerusalem.