‏ Micah 3

* The cruelty of the princes, and the falsehood of the prophets.

(1-8) Their false security. (9-12)

1-8 Men cannot expect to do ill, and fare well; but to find

that done to them which they did to others. How seldom do

wholesome truths reach the ears of those in high stations or in

authority! Those who deceive others are preparing confusion for

their own faces. The prophet had ardent love to God and to the

souls of men; deep concern for his glory and their salvation,

and zeal against sin. The difficulties he met with did not drive

him from his work. He had this strength; not from and of

himself, but he was full of power by the Spirit of the Lord.

Those who act honestly, may act boldly. And those who come to

hear the word of God, must be willing to be told of their

faults, must take it kindly, and be thankful. 9-12 Zion's walls owe no thanks to those that build them up

with blood and iniquity. The sin of man works not the

righteousness of God. Even when men do that which in itself is

good, but do it for filthy lucre, it becomes abomination both to

God and man. Faith rests in the Lord as the soul's foundation:

presumption only leans upon the Lord as a prop, and would use

him to serve a turn. If men's having the Lord among them will

not keep them from doing evil, it never can secure them from

suffering evil for so doing. See the doom of wicked Jacob;

Therefore shall Zion for your sake be ploughed as a field. This

was exactly fulfilled at the destruction of Jerusalem by the

Romans, and is so at this day. If sacred places are polluted by

sin, they will be wasted and ruined by the judgments of God.