“Do not preach,” they preach.
This phrase highlights the irony and contradiction in the message of the false prophets in Micah's time. These prophets were telling Micah and other true prophets to stop delivering messages of judgment. The cultural context of ancient Israel often involved prophets who were expected to deliver messages that aligned with the desires of the people and the leaders, rather than the truth from God. This reflects a broader biblical theme where false prophets are condemned for leading people astray (Jeremiah 23:16-17, Ezekiel 13:2-3). The resistance to true prophecy is a recurring issue, as seen in the rejection of Jesus' own teachings (John 8:45-47).

“Do not preach these things;”
The false prophets were specifically objecting to the messages of impending judgment and calls for repentance. In the historical context, the Northern Kingdom of Israel had already fallen to Assyria, and Judah was under threat. The people preferred messages of peace and prosperity, ignoring the covenantal warnings given by God through His prophets (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). This reflects a human tendency to avoid uncomfortable truths, a theme also seen in the New Testament where people turn away from sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

“disgrace will not overtake us.”
This phrase captures the false assurance given by the prophets that the people of Judah would not face the consequences of their actions. It reflects a misunderstanding or deliberate ignorance of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where blessings and curses were contingent on obedience (Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28). The false prophets' message contradicted the warnings of true prophets like Micah, who spoke of the coming judgment due to the people's sins. This false sense of security is a common theme in Scripture, where people believe they are immune to God's judgment (Amos 9:10, Zephaniah 1:12). The ultimate fulfillment of God's justice and mercy is found in Jesus Christ, who offers salvation from disgrace through His atoning sacrifice (Romans 5:9-10).

1. Micah
A prophet in the 8th century BC, Micah was called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Israel and Judah. His ministry focused on social justice, true worship, and the coming Messiah.

2. False Prophets
These were individuals in Israel who opposed Micah's message. They were more concerned with maintaining their own comfort and status than with the truth of God's word.

3. Israel and Judah
The divided kingdoms of God's chosen people. During Micah's time, both kingdoms were experiencing moral and spiritual decline, leading to impending judgment.

4. Judgment
A central theme in Micah's prophecy, where God warns of the consequences of sin and disobedience, yet also offers hope for repentance and restoration.

5. Disgrace
The consequence that the false prophets and people believed would not come upon them, despite their sinful actions and rejection of God's message.The Danger of Rejecting Truth
Just as the false prophets in Micah's time rejected God's message, we must be cautious not to dismiss uncomfortable truths in Scripture that challenge our lifestyle or beliefs.

The Role of Prophets and Preachers
True prophets and preachers are called to deliver God's message faithfully, even when it is unpopular. We should support and pray for those who speak God's truth today.

Consequences of Sin
Ignoring God's warnings can lead to spiritual and sometimes physical consequences. We should be attentive to God's Word and repent when necessary.

The Importance of Discernment
Believers must discern between true and false teachings, ensuring that what we accept aligns with Scripture.

Hope in Repentance
Despite the warnings of judgment, God always offers hope and restoration to those who turn back to Him.(6) Prophesy ye not.--The construction of this verse is very confused, but the intention of it is fairly clear. It contains the address of the oppressors to the true prophets, and their reply. The oppressors desire the prophets to cease prophesying; nevertheless, the prophecies shall be continued, but without benefit to those who will not put away their shame.

Verses 6-11. - § 7. The threat announced in ver. 3 is further vindicated and applied to individual sinners, with a glance at the false prophets who taught the people to love lies. Verse 6. - Prophesy ye not; literally, drop ye not, as Amos 7:16 (where see note). The speakers are generally supposed to be the false prophets who wish to stop the mouths of Micah and those who are like minded with him. This is probably correct; but these are not the only speakers; the people themselves, the oppressing grandees, who side with the popularity hunting seers, are also included (see note on ver. 12). Say they to them that prophesy; rather, thus they prophesy (drop). Micah uses their own word sarcastically, "Do not be always rebuking; Thus they rebuke." The rest of the verse belongs to the same speakers, and should be rendered, "They shall not prophesy of these things; reproaches never cease." The great men and the false prophets complain of the true prophets that they are always proclaiming misfortune and rebuking the people, and they bid them leave such denunciations alone for the future. The passage is very difficult, and its interpretation has greatly exercised commentators; the above is virtually the explanation of Ewald, Hitzig, Caspari, and Cheyne. Orelli makes the two last clauses Micah's answer to the interdict of the adversaries, "Should one not prophesy of these things? Should reproaches (against the true prophets) never cease?" We prefer the interpretations given above, and consider the prophet's reply to be given in the next verse.

Parallel Commentaries ...


“Do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

preach,”
תַּטִּ֖פוּ (taṭ·ṭi·p̄ū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 5197: To ooze, distil gradually, to fall in drops, to speak by inspiration

they preach.
יַטִּיפ֑וּן (yaṭ·ṭî·p̄ūn)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 5197: To ooze, distil gradually, to fall in drops, to speak by inspiration

“Do not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

preach
יַטִּ֣פוּ (yaṭ·ṭi·p̄ū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5197: To ooze, distil gradually, to fall in drops, to speak by inspiration

these things;
לָאֵ֔לֶּה (lā·’êl·leh)
Preposition-l | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

disgrace
כְּלִמּֽוֹת׃ (kə·lim·mō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 3639: Insult, reproach, ignominy

will not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

overtake us.”
יִסַּ֖ג (yis·saḡ)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5253: Departing away, remove, take hold, turn away


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OT Prophets: Micah 2:6 Don't prophesy! (Mc Mic. Mi)