The leaders of the house of Israel

The second message of the Book of Micah begins here (chapters 3-5). Micah relentlessly denounces the leaders of Israel.

(1) The leaders bore the responsibility of protecting the people and bringing blessing to them. (2) It says, “Is it not for you to know justice?” In other words, the leaders knew God’s law, righteousness, and judgment. Micah 6:8 says, “He has told you, mortal one, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Deuteronomy 10:12-13 also commands as follows: “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the Lord’s commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?” (3) However, although they knew the will of God, they were doing the exact opposite. The details are written in verses 2-3. The leaders exploited and oppressed the people as if wild beasts were tearing apart their prey. The condition of the people was like that of residents in a city surrounded by enemies (sref. 2 Kings 6:29). Deuteronomy 28:53 had given this prophecy: “Then you will eat the offspring of your own body, the flesh of your sons and of your daughters whom the Lord your God has given you, during the siege and the hardship by which your enemy will oppress you.” (4) While oppressing the people in this way, the leaders shamelessly prayed and sought the Lord’s help. Did the Lord answer their prayers? “Then they will cry out to the Lord, but He will not answer them; Instead, He will hide His face from them at that time Because they have practiced evil deeds.” The leaders had ignored the cries of the people who sought their help. Therefore, God would ignore their cries. Sin brings punishment of the same kind.

Lessons for us

Those who are in positions of leadership, especially spiritual leaders, must examine themselves and set their posture right before the Lord. Much will be required from those who have been entrusted with much. Peter exhorts the leaders as follows. “Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not with greed but with eagerness; nor yet as domineering over those assigned to your care, but by proving to be examples to the flock” (1 Pet. 5:2-3). Blessed is the one who, when the Chief Shepherd Jesus appears, receives words of praise and the crown of glory.