“Woe to those who devise iniquity, and work out evil on their beds! At morning light they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand. They covet fields and take them by violence, also houses, and seize them. So they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance.”
Micah 2:1-2
It has been said that Micah’s prophecy served as a statement of God’s “lawsuit” against his rebellious people. Micah witnessed the destruction of the Northern Kingdom at the hands of the Assyrians, and the chastisement of the southern kingdom of Judah by the same nation.
The passage we have chosen to consider in this writing is the condemnation of oppression that was common in the kingdom in that day. While the practice of idolatry, and false prophecies are more commonly noted, any sin and rebellion against God can and will bring His judgment to men.
God’s people at this time had rebelled to the extent that their love and care for one another was not sufficiently present among them. This was especially so among the rich, and the leaders of the people. In our time it is often called scheming. What plan can I make to ensure that I get what I want, and I get the better of others. Such covetousness and mistreatment is not appropriate for God’s people. This is why pride, selfishness, and insolence is such an abomination to the Lord. If your interest is only in yourself (look out for number one); if you are willing to step on anyone else to get your way or get ahead; if your attitude is dismissive regarding the needs of others; then you are guilty of displeasing God just at the Jews were in Micah’s day. And you should be just as ashamed as you judge they should be.
The cause of this is a lack of love. The one thing that should always be characteristic of followers of God is a humble, considerate and selfless love for others.
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:36-40).
Any action taken that shows a lack of love for God or mankind is unacceptable. The unhealthy self-seeking actions prevalent in our culture will be condemned by God as it was in Micah’s day. May we avoid such at all cost!
