Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.
Read it in contextWoe to Oppressors and Promise of Restoration
Start reading at Micah 2:1 (Micah 2:1 to Micah 2:13).
The chapter begins with a denunciation of those who devise and commit evil, particularly covetousness and oppression, and declares God's impending judgment upon them. It concludes with a promise of future gathering and restoration for the remnant of Israel under the leadership of the LORD.
2:1Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.
2:2And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage.
2:3Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, against this family do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks; neither shall ye go haughtily: for this time is evil.
2:4In that day shall one take up a parable against you, and lament with a doleful lamentation, and say, We be utterly spoiled: he hath changed the portion of my people: how hath he removed it from me! turning away he hath divided our fields.
2:5Therefore thou shalt have none that shall cast a cord by lot in the congregation of the LORD.
2:6Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, that they shall not take shame.
2:7O 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?
2:8Even of late my people is risen up as an enemy: ye pull off the robe with the garment from them that pass by securely as men averse from war.
2:9The women of my people have ye cast out from their pleasant houses; from their children have ye taken away my glory for ever.
2:10Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction.
2:11If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie, saying, I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink; he shall even be the prophet of this people.
2:12I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men.
2:13The breaker is come up before them: they have broken up, and have passed through the gate, and are gone out by it: and their king shall pass before them, and the LORD on the head of them.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Micah of Moresheth is the named prophet and traditional author. Biblical references: Micah 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Micah 1:1–3:12): Micah addresses Samaria and Jerusalem, including landowners, rulers, priests, and prophets whose conduct harms the people. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Samaria and Jerusalem, including their rulers, prophets, and people, with an appeal heard by the wider nations. Biblical references: Micah 1:1; Micah 1:2; Micah 3:1. stated in the text
What
What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the denunciation of those who intentionally plot and commit evil, specifically covetousness and oppression, and the declaration of God's impending judgment upon them. It also includes a promise of future restoration for God's people.
What is God revealing? God is revealing His righteous indignation against those who actively plan and execute wickedness, particularly against the vulnerable. He reveals His determination to bring judgment upon such evildoers and, conversely, His ultimate plan for the restoration and gathering of His people under His leadership.
What is the literary style? The literary style is a prophetic oracle, characterized by a "woe" pronouncement against the wicked, followed by a declaration of judgment, and concluding with a promise of future restoration.
When
When was it written? The book of Micah was written approximately 735 to 700 B.C.
When does the event take place? The plotting and committing of evil by the oppressors was occurring during Micah's prophetic ministry (c. 735 to 700 B.C.). The judgment prophesied would follow these actions, and the restoration is a future event.
Where
Where did it happen? The evil deeds described were committed in Judah and Israel, specifically in the areas where the oppressors lived and seized property from others.
Where was the author located? The author, Micah, was located in Judah.
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Woe to Oppressors and Promise of Restoration (Micah 2:1 to Micah 2:13).
Start reading at Micah 2:1. The chapter begins with a denunciation of those who devise and commit evil, particularly covetousness and oppression, and declares God's impending judgment upon them. It concludes with a promise of future gathering and restoration for the remnant of Israel under the leadership of the LORD.
How
How does it fit the broader context? Micah 2:1 initiates a section of "woe" pronouncements (Micah 2:1-11) against the corrupt leaders and wealthy individuals of Judah and Israel who exploit the poor and vulnerable. It sets the stage for God's judgment against their covetousness, violence, and rejection of true prophecy, which is then contrasted with a promise of future restoration (Micah 2:12-13). interpretation
How does it point to Christ? This passage highlights the pervasive nature of sin and human depravity, where individuals actively plan and execute evil. Christ, as the perfect and righteous Son of God, stands in stark contrast to this wickedness. He came to deliver humanity from the power of sin and its consequences, offering redemption and a new heart that desires righteousness instead of iniquity. His ultimate return will also bring an end to all forms of oppression and injustice. interpretation
How do I apply it today? This passage serves as a solemn warning against intentional sin, particularly covetousness, greed, and oppression. It calls believers to examine their own hearts and actions, ensuring they do not devise or practice evil, but instead seek justice, righteousness, and compassion, especially towards the vulnerable. It also reminds us that God sees and will judge all hidden and overt wickedness, encouraging us to live with integrity and a fear of the Lord. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Micah 2
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Micah's opening locates his vision concerning Samaria and Jerusalem in the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. The book alternates indictment and hope rather than presenting one undifferentiated promise. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The opening messages expose the conduct bringing judgment on Samaria and Jerusalem, including the failures of rulers and prophets.
Connection to the wholeThe opening messages expose the conduct bringing judgment on Samaria and Jerusalem, including the failures of rulers and prophets.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The opening messages expose the conduct bringing judgment on Samaria and Jerusalem, including the failures of rulers and prophets.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Micah
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Micah's opening locates his vision concerning Samaria and Jerusalem in the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. The book alternates indictment and hope rather than presenting one undifferentiated promise.
Connection to the wholeThe opening messages expose the conduct bringing judgment on Samaria and Jerusalem, including the failures of rulers and prophets.
Connection to the wholePromises concerning Zion and the ruler from Bethlehem appear alongside conflict and purification, carrying hope beyond the announced judgment.