Micah 2:6

"Do not preach," they preach. "Do not preach these things; disgrace will not overtake us."

Study Bible

Do not preach
This phrase reflects the resistance of the people to the prophetic messages delivered by Micah. The Hebrew word for "preach" here is "nataph," which means to drop or drip, often used metaphorically for speaking or prophesying. The people were essentially telling the prophets to stop delivering messages from God, indicating a rejection of divine guidance. This resistance is a common theme in the prophetic books, where the people often prefer comforting lies over challenging truths.

they preach
The repetition of the word "preach" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the prophetic activity. Despite the people's resistance, the prophets continue to deliver God's messages. This persistence highlights the prophets' commitment to their divine calling, regardless of opposition. It also underscores the importance of prophecy in guiding and correcting the people, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament.

but they should not preach these things
Here, the people express their desire for the prophets to refrain from delivering certain messages. The phrase "these things" likely refers to the warnings and judgments that the prophets were proclaiming. This reflects a common human tendency to avoid uncomfortable truths and seek messages that align with personal desires or beliefs. The resistance to prophetic messages is a recurring issue in the Bible, illustrating the tension between divine truth and human preference.

disgrace will not overtake us
This statement reveals the people's false sense of security and denial of impending judgment. The word "disgrace" in Hebrew is "kelimmah," which can mean shame or humiliation. The people believed that they were immune to the consequences of their actions, a dangerous misconception that prophets like Micah sought to correct. This false assurance is a warning against complacency and a call to heed God's warnings seriously.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Micah
A prophet in the 8th century BC, Micah was called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Israel and Judah. His ministry focused on social justice, true worship, and the coming Messiah.

2. False Prophets
These were individuals in Israel who opposed Micah's message. They were more concerned with maintaining their own comfort and status than with the truth of God's word.

3. Israel and Judah
The divided kingdoms of God's chosen people. During Micah's time, both kingdoms were experiencing moral and spiritual decline, leading to impending judgment.

4. Judgment
A central theme in Micah's prophecy, where God warns of the consequences of sin and disobedience, yet also offers hope for repentance and restoration.

5. Disgrace
The consequence that the false prophets and people believed would not come upon them, despite their sinful actions and rejection of God's message.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Rejecting Truth
Just as the false prophets in Micah's time rejected God's message, we must be cautious not to dismiss uncomfortable truths in Scripture that challenge our lifestyle or beliefs.

The Role of Prophets and Preachers
True prophets and preachers are called to deliver God's message faithfully, even when it is unpopular. We should support and pray for those who speak God's truth today.

Consequences of Sin
Ignoring God's warnings can lead to spiritual and sometimes physical consequences. We should be attentive to God's Word and repent when necessary.

The Importance of Discernment
Believers must discern between true and false teachings, ensuring that what we accept aligns with Scripture.

Hope in Repentance
Despite the warnings of judgment, God always offers hope and restoration to those who turn back to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the reaction of the false prophets in Micah 2:6 reflect attitudes we might encounter today when sharing biblical truths?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not like the people who reject God's warnings, as seen in Micah 2:6?

3. How can we support and encourage those who are called to preach and teach God's Word, especially when they face opposition?

4. What are some modern examples of "pleasant messages" that might lead us away from the truth of Scripture, similar to the false assurances given by the prophets in Micah's time?

5. Reflect on a time when you resisted a difficult truth from Scripture. How did you eventually come to accept it, and what was the outcome?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Amos 2:12
Similar to Micah, Amos faced opposition from those who did not want to hear messages of judgment. This highlights a recurring theme of resistance to prophetic truth in the Old Testament.

Isaiah 30:10
The people of Israel often demanded pleasant messages rather than the truth, showing a pattern of rejecting God's warnings through His prophets.

2 Timothy 4:3-4
In the New Testament, Paul warns Timothy about a time when people will not endure sound doctrine, preferring teachings that suit their desires, paralleling the situation Micah faced.