SUMMARY
In stark contrast to other prophets who only testify for profit, Micah will speak unpopular truth.
ANALYSIS
Micah paints a dismal picture of the corruption of prophets in his day. Anyone who feeds them receives blessings of peace. But anyone who refuses to cater to their appetites will be on the receiving end of a rhetorical holyHoly is a term that originally meant set apart for the worship or service of God. While the term may refer to people, objects, time, or places, holiness in Judaism and Christianity primarily denotes the realm of the divine More war. Micah argues that the corrupt prophets will have their spiritual senses blunted. In poetic repetition, the prophets will experience night, darkness, sunset, and gloom – all precluding the corrupt “seers” from seeing.
On the other hand, Micah vowed to speak difficult truths. Micah knows he cannot undertake this difficult task on his own, however, and looks to the Spirit of the LORD for power to speak justly and courageously. The work will be thankless, as Micah intends to do the exact opposite of the other prophets. Instead of proclaiming peace to paying customers, Micah will declare Jacob’s rebellious act and Israel’s sin to those who do not wish to hear condemnation. Proclaiming truth to a people accustomed to purchased lies was no easy feat for Micah, nor for any prophet in any age.
