Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, "Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us." Her leaders judge for a bribeThe Hebrew word for "leaders" here is "רֹאשֶׁיהָ" (rosheha), which refers to those in positions of authority and governance. In the context of ancient Israel, leaders were expected to uphold justice and righteousness, as outlined in the Torah. However, Micah condemns them for corruption, as they "judge for a bribe." The term "bribe" (שֹׁחַד, shochad) indicates a perversion of justice, where decisions are influenced by personal gain rather than truth. This highlights a systemic failure in leadership, where justice is compromised, reflecting a broader societal decay. her priests teach for a price and her prophets practice divination for money Yet they lean upon the LORD saying, 'Is not the LORD among us? No disaster will come upon us.' Persons / Places / Events 1. LeadersRefers to the rulers of Israel who were expected to uphold justice but were instead corrupt, accepting bribes. 2. Priests Religious leaders responsible for teaching God's law, who were exploiting their position for financial gain. 3. Prophets Those who claimed to speak on behalf of God but were practicing divination for money, misleading the people. 4. Israel The nation to whom Micah was prophesying, specifically addressing the corruption within its leadership. 5. Micah A prophet of God who delivered messages of judgment and hope to Israel during a time of moral and spiritual decay. Teaching Points Corruption in LeadershipRecognize the dangers of leaders who prioritize personal gain over justice and righteousness. Reflect on the importance of integrity in positions of authority. The Role of Religious Leaders Understand the responsibility of religious leaders to teach truth without seeking personal profit. Consider how this applies to modern-day ministry. False Security Beware of false assurances that ignore the reality of sin and judgment. True security comes from genuine faith and obedience to God. The Consequences of Greed Acknowledge how the love of money can corrupt individuals and institutions, leading to moral decay and divine judgment. Self-Examination Regularly assess personal motivations and actions to ensure they align with God's standards, not selfish desires. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Micah 3:11 challenge us to evaluate the integrity of our leaders today, both secular and religious?2. In what ways can we ensure that our service to God is not motivated by personal gain, as seen in the actions of the priests and prophets in Micah's time? 3. How can we discern between true and false assurances of God's presence and favor in our lives? 4. What practical steps can we take to guard against the love of money influencing our decisions and actions? 5. How do the themes in Micah 3:11 connect with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament about justice and righteousness? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 1:23This verse also speaks of leaders who love bribes and do not defend the cause of the fatherless or the widow, highlighting a similar theme of corruption. Jeremiah 6:13 Jeremiah condemns the greed of prophets and priests, paralleling Micah's critique of religious leaders. Matthew 23:23 Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness, echoing the issues Micah addresses. 1 Timothy 6:10 Paul warns that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, which relates to the motivations of the leaders, priests, and prophets in Micah's time. Ezekiel 22:27-28 Ezekiel describes the leaders as wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain, similar to Micah's description.
People Jacob, MicahPlaces Adullam, Jerusalem, ZionTopics Bribe, Bribes, Calamity, Disaster, Divine, Evil, Fortunes, Future, Heads, Hire, Instruct, Isn't, Judge, Judging, Judgment, Leaders, Lean, Midst, Money, None, Overtake, Payment, Price, Priests, Pronounce, Prophets, Reading, Reward, Rewards, Saying, Silver, Supporting, Teach, Teaching, Themselves, Thereof, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Micah 3:11 5415 money, uses of Library The Apostasy in Two Days. In our introduction we gave a number of texts which spoke of the whole of the gospel dispensation as one day; but any period of time distinguished by some extraordinary historic event may be and is also termed a day. The apostasy or dark noonday being under two forms is marked in Bible history as two days. The first form of the apostasy, namely, Catholicism, is called by the Scriptures a "dark day." A Cloudy Day. The second form of the apostasy was not such utter darkness as the first, and is therefore … Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day Bad Ecclesiastics and Base Plots Of Councils and their Authority. "And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up Himself to Take Hold on Thee," Contention Over the Man Born Blind. The Purpose in the Coming of Jesus. The Sovereignty of God in Operation The Doctrine of the Scriptures. Micah Links Micah 3:11 NIVMicah 3:11 NLT Micah 3:11 ESV Micah 3:11 NASB Micah 3:11 KJV Micah 3:11 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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