Journey Through The Scriptures

We have noted Micah’s twofold message of judgment and restoration for God’s chosen people, both elements of which are present in chapter 2. The prophet decried the injustice being practiced in Judah as the rich and the powerful defrauded the poor and the weak. These were deliberate actions, carried out after careful plotting. Since God had provided each family a plot of land in Israel when the Promised Land was taken, there was no reason for one person to seize the land of another. This was not only theft, but the taking of that person’s “inheritance” the Lord had given him and which his family needed.

The judgment for such crimes was just—and ironic. Those who took land from others would see their own land taken away on the day Judah was conquered by foreigners. Even though this time was far in the future from Micah’s perspective, the judgment was certain. Micah also had a special word to speak against false prophets and teachers who denied God’s message of doom and soothed the people. Yet for all the calamity to come upon Judah, and upon the northern kingdom of Israel, God would yet regather His people as a faithful shepherd gathers his flock safely into his pen. The One who will rule over the people of God as a righteous King in this day of restoration is Messiah.