Bible Commentaries
Micah 2

Verse 1

iniquity. Hebrew. 'aven. App-44 . Not the same word as in Micah 3:10 . Note the incrimination in verses: Micah 2:1 , Micah 2:2 . See the Structure, p. 1253.

work = plan.

evil = wickedness. Hebrew. ra'a'. App-44 .

is = exists. Hebrew. yesh. See note on Proverbs 8:21 .

in the power of their hand. A Pentateuchal idiom. Reference to Pentateuch (Genesis 31:29 ). Compare Proverbs 3:27 . Nehemiah 5:5 . Does not occur elsewhere.

Verse 2

covet fields. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 6:4 .Deuteronomy 5:21; Deuteronomy 5:21 ). App-92 .

they oppress, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 19:13 , where the words are the same). App-92 .

man = a human being Hebrew. geber. App-14 .

even. So in some codices, with four early printed editions; but many codices, with six early printed editions, Aramaean, Septuagint, and Vulgate, omit the word "even".

man. Hebrew. 'ish. App-14 .

Verse 3

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

Behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 .

this family. Compare Amos 3:1 .

I devise. The contrast to Micah 2:1 .

evil = calamity Hebrew. ra'a'. App-44 .

Verse 4

take up a parable. Reference to Pentateuch (Numbers 23:7 , Numbers 23:18 ; Numbers 24:3 , Numbers 24:15 , Numbers 24:20 , Numbers 24:23 ). Twice in Job (Job 27:1 ; Job 29:1 ); once in Isaiah (Isaiah 14:4 ); once in Habakkuk (Habakkuk 2:6 ). Not elsewhere. App-92 . Note the Figure of speech Chleuasmos ( App-6 ).

lament with a doleful lamentation. Note the Figures of speech P olyptoton and Paronomasia ( App-6 ), for emphasis. Hebrew venahah nehi nihyah = wail a wailing of woe.

changed = changed [for the worse]. Hebrew. mur ; not halaph = changed [for the better]. See note on Leviticus 27:10 .

turning away = to a heathen: i.e. our enemy the Assyrian.

Verse 5

cast a cord by lot. Referring to the custom, by which, round every village in Palestine, the land was divided by lot every year to the various families; hence, the expression in Psalms 16:6 , "cord" being put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , for the portion of land marked out by it. It therefore = divide your inheritances. Reference to Pentateuch (Numbers 26:55 , Numbers 26:56 ). App-92 .

congregation = assembly. Compare Deuteronomy 23:1-3 , Deuteronomy 23:8 .

Verse 6

Prophesy = Do not sputter.

say they to them that prophesy = so they sputter.

they shall not prophesy. Not the usual word for prophesy, but Hebrew. nataph.

they: i.e. these false prophets.

them = as to these things: i.e. these doings of Jehovah.

that, &c. Supply, "[saying], must He put away these suppressers".

Verse 7

Jacob. See notes on Genesis 32:28 ; Genesis 43:6 ; Genesis 45:26 , Genesis 45:28 .

is the Spirit, &c. ? Reference to Pentateuch (Numbers 11:23 , the same word). App-92 .

Spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9 .

do not = are not?

My. Septuagint reads "His", as in preceding clause: or = are not My words pleasant [saith Jehovah]?

do good = pleasant.

Verse 8

Even of late = Only yesterday, or recently: this highway robbery was a new and recent evil.

Verse 9

for ever: i.e. not to be restored for the rest of their lives.

Verse 10

Arise ye, &c. Usually misquoted in a good sense; but the Structure shows it to be part of the lamentation (p. 1253).

this = this [land]. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 12:9 ). App-92 .

it: i.e. this [land].

it is polluted. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 18:27 , Leviticus 18:28 , the same word). App-92 .

it shall destroy. Reference to Pent (Leviticus 18:28 ; Leviticus 20:22 ; Leviticus 26:38 ). Compare Ezekiel 36:12-14 .

Verse 11

wine. Hebrew. yayin. App-27 .

strong drink. Hebrew. shekar. App-27 .

prophet = sputterer; as in Micah 2:6 . Literally dropper [of words].

Verse 12

I will, &c. See the Structure, p. 1253.

Israel. See note on Genesis 32:28 ; Genesis 43:6 ; Genesis 45:26 , Genesis 45:28 .

of Bozrah: or, with Septuagint, in tribulation. The member (verses: Micah 2:12 , Micah 2:13 ) does not speak of mercy, but of judgment, corresponding with the member (Micah 1:2-4 ). Not "a complete change", and no "promise to a remnant" Compare Isaiah 34:6 . Amos 1:12 .

make great noise = be in commotion.

men = human beings. Heb 'adam. App-14 .

Verse 13

The breaker = One making a breach. The Assyrian. Hebrew. paratz, as in Exodus 19:22 , Exodus 19:24 ; 2 Samuel 5:20 . 1Ch 14:11 ; 1 Chronicles 15:13 . Generally in a bad sense.

broken up = broken in.

gone out = gone forth . . . [into captivity].

shall pass = hath passed through.

on = at: for it is Jehovah's judgment. Compare Micah 1:2-4 .