Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

In Micah 2:8 (three verses prior to the verse being asked about), God, speaking through the prophet Micah, said, "Lately My people have risen up like an enemy." The verses after that describe the manner in which the southern kingdom of Judah -- and also the northern kingdom of Israel (spoken of as "Samaria", the capital of the kingdom) -- had turned against God, including listening to false prophets who were telling them that God would not judge them for their sin and disobedience, and that the people were safe.

As Micah 2:11 says specifically (and with ridicule), the people were more willing to listen to a "prophet" who would speak lies (deceit) or empty words (wind), and tell the people that they would have plenty of wine and beer to drink (which God is portraying as the people's primary concern), rather than listening to God's commandments and obeying them. As a result, God indicates His intention to drive them from their land, which, because of the people's sin, "is defiled; it is ruined beyond all remedy." (Micah 2:10)

Nevertheless, in Micah 2:12-13 (the verses immediately following this judgment), God renews His promise to one day send a Messiah to Israel who would gather the people of Judah and Israel "like a flock in its pasture", and to make Israel and Judah "throng with people." And, in a later chapter, the prophet indicates (Micah 5:2) that this Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.

December 19 2015 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report