What does Micah 7:3 mean?
"¶ That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up." - Micah 7:3
Micah 7:3 (KJV) states, "That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up." This verse is part of the book of Micah, which is one of the 12 minor prophets in the Old Testament. The book of Micah, was written by the prophet Micah, and its purpose is to deliver a message of judgment and hope to the people of Israel. The verse in question is part of a larger passage in which Micah laments the corruption and moral decay in the society of his time.
The passage begins with the prophet describing the state of affairs in his community. He speaks of the pervasive evil that is being done "with both hands earnestly," indicating the extreme dedication with which people are carrying out their wicked deeds. This emphasis on the duality of the hands suggests a comprehensive and deliberate pursuit of evil. The use of the hands in this context also symbolizes the physical manifestation of the corruption that has taken hold in the society.
The verse highlights the moral decay from the highest levels of authority to the common people. The "prince" and the "judge" are meant to represent the ruling and judicial authorities, and it is lamented that even these figures are engaged in evil deeds. The reference to the "great man" further emphasizes the widespread nature of corruption, as it suggests that even those who are highly respected and influential are not immune to moral decay. The actions of these figures are described as the "mischievous desire" which signifies their deliberate and harmful intentions.
The phrase "so they wrap it up" can be interpreted in several ways. It may refer to the perpetrators attempting to conceal their corrupt actions, wrapping them up in secrecy and deceit. It could also suggest that they are completing their evil deeds, wrapping them up as if they were a finished package, ready to be sent out into the world.
The verse serves as a condemnation of a society that has fallen into moral decay, where even those in positions of power are using their influence for selfish gain and engaging in wicked actions. The prophet Micah is calling out the widespread corruption and injustice, shining a light on the unrighteousness that has taken root in the community.
From a thematic perspective, Micah 7:3 addresses issues such as corruption, injustice, and the abuse of power. The verse underscores the universal human experience of moral failing and serves as a warning against succumbing to the temptation of personal gain at the expense of others. It also highlights the importance of societal justice and integrity, urging individuals to resist the allure of corruption and stand for what is righteous.
In a broader context, Micah's message can be applied to any society or community that is grappling with moral decay and corruption. The verse serves as a reminder that those in positions of power and influence have a responsibility to uphold justice and righteousness, rather than using their authority for personal gain. It also encourages individuals to remain vigilant and resist the allure of corrupt practices, standing firm in the pursuit of what is just and honorable.
In conclusion, Micah 7:3 paints a vivid picture of the moral decay and corruption that had taken hold in the society of the prophet's time. The verse serves as a powerful admonition against the abuse of power and the pursuit of personal gain at the expense of others. Its timeless message continues to resonate today, reminding us of the importance of righteousness, integrity, and the pursuit of justice in all aspects of life.
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Micah 7:3 - "¶ That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up."
"¶ That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up." - Micah 7:3
Micah 3:7 - "Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God."
Micah 7:17
"Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God." - Micah 3:7
Micah 3:10 - "They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity."
Micah 7:7 - "Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me."
Micah 7:11 - "In the day that thy walls are to be built, in that day shall the decree be far removed."
Micah 7:13 - "Notwithstanding the land shall be desolate because of them that dwell therein, for the fruit of their doings."
Micah 7:15 - "According to the days of thy coming out of the land of Egypt will I shew unto him marvellous things."
Micah 7:16 - "¶ The nations shall see and be confounded at all their might: they shall lay their hand upon their mouth, their ears shall be deaf."
"They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity." - Micah 3:10
Micah 1:3 - "For, behold, the LORD cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth."
Micah 7:5 - "¶ Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom."
Micah 3:12 - "Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest."
Micah 3:1 - "And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; Is it not for you to know judgment?"
Micah 3:9 - "Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity."
Micah 7:20 - "Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old."
Micah 5:7 - "And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the LORD, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men."
Micah 7:1 - "Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grapegleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat: my soul desired the firstripe fruit."
Micah 3:8 - "¶ But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin."
Micah 7:4 - "The best of them is as a brier: the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen and thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity."
Micah 7:2 - "The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net."
Micah 2:7 - "¶ O thou that art named the house of Jacob, is the spirit of the LORD straitened? are these his doings? do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly?"
Micah 6:3 - "O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me."
Micah 7:19 - "He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."
"He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." - Micah 7:19
"In the day that thy walls are to be built, in that day shall the decree be far removed." - Micah 7:11
Micah 7:8 - "¶ Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me."
Micah 7:17 - "They shall lick the dust like a serpent, they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth: they shall be afraid of the LORD our God, and shall fear because of thee."