Micah 2:11

If a man of wind were to come and say falsely, "I will preach to you of wine and strong drink," he would be just the preacher for this people!

Study Bible

If a man of wind were to come
The phrase "man of wind" suggests a person who is insubstantial or unreliable, akin to the wind that is ever-changing and lacks substance. In biblical terms, wind often symbolizes emptiness or vanity (Ecclesiastes 1:14). This imagery is used to describe false prophets who lack the Spirit of God and whose messages are devoid of truth and substance. The context of Micah is a time when true prophets like Micah and Isaiah were often opposed by false prophets who spoke what the people wanted to hear rather than the truth of God.

and say falsely,
The act of speaking falsely is a direct violation of the commandment against bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16). In the prophetic context, false prophets were those who claimed to speak for God but delivered messages that contradicted His will. This was a significant issue in Israel, as false prophets often led the people astray, promoting idolatry and injustice (Jeremiah 23:16-17).

“I will preach to you of wine and strong drink,”
Wine and strong drink symbolize indulgence and excess, often associated with moral and spiritual laxity. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, wine was a common part of daily life, but excessive consumption was frowned upon (Proverbs 20:1). The false prophet's message of wine and strong drink represents a promise of prosperity and pleasure without accountability, appealing to the desires of the flesh rather than the spirit. This stands in contrast to the true prophetic message, which calls for repentance and righteousness.

he would be just the preacher for this people!
This phrase highlights the people's desire to hear messages that align with their own desires rather than the truth of God. It reflects a society that prefers comfort and affirmation over conviction and correction. This is reminiscent of Paul's warning to Timothy about people who will gather teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4). The people's preference for such a preacher indicates a spiritual decline and a rejection of God's true prophets, like Micah, who called for justice and faithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Micah
A prophet in the 8th century BC, Micah was from Moresheth in Judah. He spoke against the social injustices and idolatry of his time, calling the people back to faithfulness to God.

2. The People of Israel
The audience of Micah's prophecy, who were often swayed by false prophets and were indulging in practices contrary to God's commands.

3. False Prophets
Individuals who claimed to speak for God but led the people astray with messages that were contrary to God's truth, often for personal gain or popularity.

4. Wine and Beer
Symbolic of indulgence and excess, representing the false promises of prosperity and pleasure that the people preferred over the truth of God's word.

5. The Land of Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Micah primarily directed his prophecies, warning them of impending judgment due to their unfaithfulness.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Teaching
Believers must be discerning about the teachings they accept, ensuring they align with Scripture rather than personal desires or cultural trends.

The Danger of False Comfort
Seeking comfort in lies or indulgence can lead to spiritual complacency and eventual judgment. True comfort is found in God's truth.

The Role of Prophets and Teachers
Genuine prophets and teachers point people to God’s truth, even when it is uncomfortable or challenging.

Cultural Relevance
Just as in Micah's time, today's culture often promotes messages that are contrary to God's word. Christians must stand firm in biblical truth.

Repentance and Return
The call to repentance is a consistent theme in Scripture. Turning back to God and His ways is always the right response to conviction.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we identify false teachings in today's world, and what steps can we take to ensure we are following true biblical teaching?

2. In what ways do we see the message of "wine and beer" (false promises of prosperity and pleasure) being preached in our culture today?

3. How does the warning in Micah 2:11 challenge us to examine our own desires and the messages we are drawn to?

4. What are some practical ways we can encourage one another to remain steadfast in the truth of God's word, even when it is counter-cultural?

5. How can the examples of false prophets in Micah and other scriptures inform our understanding of spiritual leadership and accountability in the church today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 5:31
This verse highlights how the people love to have false prophets who tell them what they want to hear, similar to Micah's message about preferring lies over truth.

Isaiah 30:10
The people ask for smooth things and deceitful visions, showing a consistent theme of rejecting God's truth for comforting lies.

2 Timothy 4:3-4
Paul warns that people will gather teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear, paralleling the situation in Micah's time.