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"Now hear this, you heads of the house of Jacob"

Text: Micah 3:9

ADDRESSING THE LEADERS OF ISRAEL BOLDLY

Micah knew the challenges and consequences that would come his way if he were to address the leaders of the nation directly. But to be true to what he said about being “full of power by the Holy Spirit” he had to proclaim these words mightily and without fear.

“Now hear this,
You heads of the house of Jacob
And rulers of the house of Israel,
Who abhor justice,
And pervert all equity”
Micah 3:9

1. “Now hear this”

a) This was a public proclamation.

b) The prophet’s means of access:

i) The temple

ii) The public places

iii) His home

iv) The written word (hand copied in those days)

2. “You heads of the house of Jacob”

a) The phrase “house of Jacob”.

b) This was now a well-known phrase.

c) It contained dark connotations:

i) Of sin

ii) Of transgression

iii) Of iniquity

3. “Rulers of the house of Israel”

a) Israel was supposed to be the new name of Jacob.

b) But when used in such proximity and juxtaposition it carried the same connotations.

c) The new name was no different from the old nomenclature.

d) The words “heads” and “rulers” were used interchangeably.

4. “Who abhor justice and pervert all equity”

a) The leaders were supposed to uphold justice and promote equity (fairness, impartiality).

b) Instead they opposed these essential concepts of a righteous nation.

c) They hated the idea of justice and corrupted the whole judicial system.