Micah 2:11 - Exposition

Such prophets as speak unwelcome truths are not popular with the grandees; they like only these who pander to their vices and prophesy lies. This was their crowning sin. If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie. "The spirit and falsehood" may be a hendiadys for "a spirit of falsehood," or "a lying spirit," as 1 Kings 22:22 (comp. Ezekiel 13:2 , Ezekiel 13:3 , Ezekiel 13:17 ). But it is better to render, If a man walking after ( conversant with ) the wind and falsehood do lie. Wind is symbolical of all that is vain and worthless, as Isaiah 26:18 ; Isaiah 41:29 . The Septuagint introduces a gloss from Le Isaiah 26:17 , κατεδιώχθητε οὐδενὸς διώκοντος , "Ye fled, no one pursuing you," and translates the above clause, πνεῦμα ἔστησε ψεῦδος : "spiritus statuit mendacium, i.e. finem posuit mendacii" (St. Jerome); Vulgate , Utinam non essem vir habens spiritum et mendacium potius loquerer . I will prophesy unto thee, etc. These are the words of a false prophet, "Prophesy," "drop," as Isaiah 26:6 . Of vine and of strong drink . Concerning temporal blessings, dwelling on God's promises of material prosperity (Le Isaiah 26:4 , etc.; Deuteronomy 28:4 , Deuteronomy 28:11 ) in order to encourage the grandees in self-indulgence. He shall even be the prophet of this people. Such a one is the only prophet to whom the great men, the representatives of "this people," will listen.