Sunday, November 24 – Micah 2, 3 – Additional Reading, Prophets and Kings, chapter 27, “Ahaz”

1. What responsibility does one who holds power bear? (Micah 2:1)

2. How does the Word of God affect those who walk uprightly? (Micah 2:7)

3. What happens to those who persist in doing evil? (Micah 3:4)

Commentary and Reflection:

Micah was a prophet of humble origins who ministered in Judah during the same time as Isaiah, during the reigns of Jotham, his son Ahaz, and Hezekiah, Ahaz’s son.

Jotham was a good king who “did what was right in the sight of the LORD,” although “the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places” (2 Kings 15:34-35). His son Ahaz, however, became one of Judah’s worst kings, fully given to idolatry—even going so far as to make “his children pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the nations” (2 Chronicles 28:3).

“He did not hesitate to rearrange and change the brazen altar of burnt offering, and the laver, and to place within the sacred Temple precincts an idolatrous altar which he saw at Damascus (2 Kings 16:10–12, 14–17). These and other iniquitous acts against the true worship of the Lord made Ahaz probably the most idolatrous king who had reigned over Judah. During the time of this spiritual declension among the inhabitants of Jerusalem and Judah, Micah exercised his prophetic office.” (Bible Commentary, Introduction to the Book of Micah, Historical Context).

Hezekiah, Ahaz’s successor, was his complete opposite. He committed himself fully to the Lord, bringing to Judah moral and spiritual reforms counteracting his father’s apostasy, abolishing idolatry, and leading the people back to true worship of the Lord. Under Hezekiah’s reign, Micah began to see the fruit of his prophetic work.

Micah spoke out against the injustice of the rich and powerful who oppressed the needy. It is striking to note how God condemns dishonest practices and injustices committed in the pursuit of wealth.

Micah also speaks against false prophets who shape their messages to please audiences and sell their prophetic offices for personal gain.

Micah prophesies against corrupt leaders who accept bribes and priests who have sold themselves to greed. All these leaders relied on the Lord in name only, saying, “Is not the Lord among us?” and reassured themselves by saying, “No harm shall come upon us.” The reality was quite the opposite, however. God’s servants warned the people of the captivity and destruction that would come upon Jerusalem.

Simply calling ourselves God’s people or church does not exempt us from His judgments. We must wholly dedicate ourselves to the LORD, separate ourselves from idols, and avoid the immoral practices of the world. We are called to uphold justice for the poor and value His Word deeply.

Today’s idols may be material possessions that money can buy. False prophets may be cultural and political influencers whose guidance contradicts God’s counsel. It is unsafe to ignore God’s message by saying, “Is not the Lord among us? No harm shall come upon us.”

How open are we to hearing God’s message, even if it challenges us? How willing are we to be convicted by His Spirit? The LORD asks:

“Is the Spirit of the LORD restricted?
Are these His doings?
Do not My words do good
To him who walks uprightly?” (Micah 2:7, NKJV)*

Like Isaiah, Micah speaks of God’s faithfulness to the remnant. There is hope for His people who remain faithful to His Word. The Lord declares, “I will surely assemble all of you, O Jacob, I will surely gather the remnant of Israel” (Micah 2:12, NKJV).

The remnant is not alone, for the LORD Himself leads them, goes before them, and accompanies them.

“The one who breaks open will come up before them;
They will break out,
Pass through the gate,
And go out by it;
Their king will pass before them,
With the LORD at their head.” (Micah 2:13, NKJV)

May the LORD grant you the grace to follow Him and treasure His Word in a world that conveniently chooses idols.