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). 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 Polyptoton 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. 1 Chronicles 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.