Micah 3:7

Then the seers will be ashamed and the diviners will be disgraced. They will all cover their mouths because there is no answer from God."

Study Bible

Then the seers will be ashamed
In the context of ancient Israel, seers were individuals who claimed to have the ability to perceive divine messages and visions. The term "ashamed" indicates a profound sense of disgrace and failure. This shame arises because their predictions and insights are proven false or ineffective. In biblical history, true prophets were validated by the fulfillment of their prophecies (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). The seers' shame reflects their inability to deliver true messages from God, contrasting with the genuine prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah, who spoke with authority and accuracy.

and the diviners will be disgraced.
Diviners were those who practiced divination, attempting to foretell the future or gain insight through supernatural means, often condemned in the Hebrew Scriptures (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Their disgrace comes from their reliance on false methods and their failure to provide true guidance. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the futility of trusting in human wisdom or pagan practices over divine revelation. The disgrace of the diviners underscores the superiority of God's wisdom over human attempts to control or predict the future.

They will all cover their mouths
Covering the mouth is a cultural expression of silence, shame, or mourning. In the ancient Near East, this gesture signified an acknowledgment of one's inability to speak or defend oneself, often in the face of judgment or failure. This imagery is used elsewhere in Scripture to depict silence before divine authority (Job 40:4). The seers and diviners, once vocal and confident, are now rendered speechless, highlighting their impotence and the futility of their practices.

because there is no answer from God.”
The absence of an answer from God signifies divine judgment and the withdrawal of His guidance. In the biblical narrative, God's silence often indicates disfavor or a response to persistent disobedience (1 Samuel 28:6). This silence contrasts with times when God actively communicated with His people through prophets. The lack of divine response underscores the seriousness of Israel's spiritual condition and the consequences of turning away from God. It also foreshadows the coming of Christ, who is the ultimate revelation and communication of God to humanity (Hebrews 1:1-2).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Micah
A prophet in the 8th century BC, Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah and Hosea. He prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and his messages were directed towards both Israel and Judah.

2. Seers
Individuals in ancient Israel who claimed to have the ability to see visions and predict the future. They were often consulted for divine guidance.

3. Diviners
Practitioners who attempted to foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge through various means, often considered illegitimate or false prophets in the biblical context.

4. Judah and Israel
The divided kingdoms of the Hebrew people during Micah's time. Judah was the southern kingdom, and Israel was the northern kingdom.

5. God's Judgment
The event or action of divine retribution that Micah prophesies against the false prophets and leaders of Israel and Judah for their corruption and misleading of the people.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of False Prophecy
False prophets and diviners will face shame and disgrace when their predictions fail, highlighting the importance of truth and integrity in spiritual leadership.

The Silence of God
When God does not answer, it is often a sign of judgment or disapproval. This silence serves as a warning to seek genuine repentance and alignment with God's will.

Discernment in Leadership
Believers are called to discern the truth and be wary of those who claim to speak for God without evidence of His endorsement. True prophecy aligns with God's revealed word.

The Importance of Accountability
Spiritual leaders are accountable to God for their teachings. Misleading others for personal gain leads to divine judgment and public disgrace.

Repentance and Restoration
While Micah 3:7 speaks of judgment, it also implies the possibility of restoration through repentance. Turning back to God can restore communication and favor.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of seers and diviners in Micah 3:7 compare to the role of prophets in the New Testament?

2. What are some modern-day examples of false prophecy, and how can we discern them in light of biblical teaching?

3. How does the concept of God's silence in Micah 3:7 challenge or encourage your personal faith journey?

4. In what ways can church leaders today ensure they are accountable to God and their congregations?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "silence" from God. How did it impact your faith, and what steps did you take to seek His guidance again?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 14:14
This verse speaks of false prophets who prophesy lies in God's name, similar to the seers and diviners in Micah 3:7 who are disgraced due to their falsehoods.

Ezekiel 13:9
God declares His opposition to false prophets, promising that they will not be part of the assembly of His people, echoing the disgrace and shame mentioned in Micah 3:7.

Matthew 7:15-20
Jesus warns about false prophets, describing them as wolves in sheep's clothing, which aligns with the theme of false guidance and the resulting shame in Micah 3:7.