Micah 3:8-11

The times we live in. 

The world belongs to God and all that is in it!

Micah is filled with mighty justice while the leaders of Israel abhor justice.

Knowledge of Yahweh comes through emulating Him in the attributes of justice, righteousness, and care for the oppressed and less fortunate. Faithlife Bible.

Many people of Jerusalem believed that they would not be affected by God’s judgment because God Himself dwelled in the holy temple in Jerusalem. They reasoned that despite their evils, as long as God was in His temple, they were safe—even from divine judgment. What the people refused to believe was that God might leave His temple because of the sinfulness of the people. The Book of Ezekiel describes a vision of the glory of God leaving the temple as a prelude to His judgment on the city. NKJNBible.

Jewish History

Political change can often lead to changed perspectives on history. The destruction of Jerusalem and its temple by the Romans in 70 a.d. forced the Hebrews to radically rethink the significance of Jerusalem and its institutions. Stephen and his fellow Christians had already departed from the earlier Jewish view that the world revolved around Israel, which in turn revolved around the temple and the Law. They still saw Jerusalem as more than just a city, but they made it into a new symbol of a higher ideal. Stephen’s view of history brought the conflict between the new movement and the city fathers to a boil. Outraged, the council stoned Stephen to death and allowed Saul to start persecuting believers. Stephen’s perspective on Jerusalem challenges us as modern Christians to reflect on our loyalty to beloved institutions. Our highest allegiance must be to Christ.

Micah 3:8–11 (NKJV)

 But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord, and of justice and might,To declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.Now hear this,You heads of the house of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel,Who abhor justice and pervert all equity,Who build up Zion with bloodshedAnd Jerusalem with iniquity:Her heads judge for a bribe,Her priests teach for pay,And her prophets divine for money.Yet they lean on the Lord, and say,“Is not the Lord among us? No harm can come upon us.”