Bible Commentaries

Hear. This is no indication of Structure. It is a continuation of the threatening against the rulers (Micah 3:1-4, p. 1253, corresponding with "-3", Micah 3:9-12, below).

princes = judges.

chop them in pieces, as for the pot = spread them out, as flesh for the pot.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

hear = answer.

hide His face. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 31:17; Deuteronomy 32:20). App-92. Compare Isaiah 59:1-15. Jeremiah 33:5.

err = go astray.

bite with their teeth. Alluding to the idolatrous practices of the heathen round the altars of Baal, biting an olive in their mouths and crying "peace", of which the olive was the symbol (Genesis 8:11). Compare Zechariah 9:7.

and he, &c. = but against him that putteth not [the olive] into his mouth they declare war.

war = crusade.

that ye shall not divine. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 18:10, Deuteronomy 18:14. Numbers 22:7; Numbers 23:23). App-92.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.

Spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9.

Jacob . . . Israel. Compare Micah 1:5. See note Micah 2:7.

transgression. Hebrew. pasha". App-44.

sin. Hebrew. chata. App-44.

iniquity = deceit. Hebrew. "aval. App-44. Not the same word as in Micah 2:1.

judge for reward, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 23:8. Deuteronomy 10:17; Deuteronomy 16:19; Deuteronomy 27:25. The same word in all these passages). App-92.

Zion. See App-68.

be plowed as a field. This is true of the site on Ophel, but not true of the traditional site south-west of Jerusalem. See App-68. Compare Micah 1:6. Jeremiah 26:18.

Jerusalem. The city proper, on Mount Moriah.

heaps = ruins. Note the Figure of speech Paronomasia (App-6). Hebrew. yirushalaim "iyyin. Compare Micah 1:6.

the mountain of the house. Moriah and the Temple. See App-68.

the high places of the forest. = a height of a jungle.