Micah 3:1-4

Micah 3:1-4. Hear, O heads of Jacob, &c. That the justice of God, in bringing upon them the punishments which he had threatened, might more evidently appear, the prophet here shows that there was no rank of them free from very grievous crimes; that even those, who ought to have excelled others in piety and virtue, were the first in offences. We find Ezekiel making the same complaint, Ezekiel 22:6, &c. Is it not for you to know judgment Ought not you to understand and conform to the just laws of your God? You princes, magistrates, and ruling officers, ought of all men to know and do right. And, as it is your province to judge and punish those who break human laws, this ought to make you reflect that God will certainly execute judgment on the breakers of his laws. If you make any reflection, you must needs be sensible, that punishment must await you for your crimes. Who hate the good Ye who hate, not only to do good, but the good which is done, and those that do it; and love the evil Choose and delight in both evil works and evil workers; who pluck off their skin from off them Who use the people, whom you govern, as cruelly as the shepherd would use his flock, who, instead of shearing the fleece, would pluck the skin and flesh from off their bones. Who eat the flesh of my people, &c. Who devour the goods and livelihood of your brethren. And break their bones, &c. An allusion to lions, bears, or wolves, which devour the flesh, and break the bones of the defenceless lambs. And chop them in pieces as for the pot, &c. All these are metaphorical expressions, to signify the oppressions of the people by their heads, or great men; and how they, by one means or other, deprived them of their substance, and divided it among themselves. Then shall they Namely, the heads of the people and princes spoken of above; cry unto the Lord When these miseries come upon them; but he will not hear them, he will even hide, &c. As they have showed no pity to others, he will have no pity on them.