Micah 1:7

KJV

And all the graven images thereof shall be beaten to pieces, and all the hires thereof shall be burned with the fire, and all the idols thereof will I lay desolate: for she gathered [it] of the hire of an harlot, and they shall return to the hire of an harlot.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the graven images {H6456} thereof shall be beaten to pieces {H3807}, and all the hires {H868} thereof shall be burned {H8313} with the fire {H784}, and all the idols {H6091} thereof will I lay {H7760} desolate {H8077}: for she gathered {H6908} it of the hire {H868} of an harlot {H2181}, and they shall return {H7725} to the hire {H868} of an harlot {H2181}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All her carved images will be smashed to pieces, all she earned consumed by fire; and I will reduce her idols to rubble. She amassed them from a whore's wages, and as a whore's wages they will be spent again."

Berean Standard Bible

All her carved images will be smashed to pieces; all her wages will be burned in the fire, and I will destroy all her idols. Since she collected the wages of a prostitute, they will be used again on a prostitute.

American Standard Version

And all her graven images shall be beaten to pieces, and all her hires shall be burned with fire, and all her idols will I lay desolate; for of the hire of a harlot hath she gathered them, and unto the hire of a harlot shall they return.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 1:7 delivers a stark prophecy of divine judgment against Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, for its pervasive idolatry and spiritual infidelity. The verse graphically details the complete destruction of their "graven images" and "idols," along with the burning of their "hires"—ill-gotten gains acquired through their unfaithfulness. This judgment is explicitly linked to Samaria's spiritual prostitution, metaphorically described as gathering and returning to "the hire of an harlot," underscoring the defiled and ultimately futile nature of their ungodly pursuits.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 1:7 stands as a climactic declaration within the prophet's opening oracle of judgment against Samaria. The preceding verses establish the Lord's descent from His holy temple to bring judgment upon the earth, specifically targeting "the transgression of Jacob" and "the sins of the house of Israel" in [Micah 1:5](/micah/1-5 "Micah 1:5 - Jacob's Transgression and Israel's Sin"). Samaria is identified as the epicenter of this sin, and [Micah 1:6](/micah/1-6 "Micah 1:6 - Samaria's Desolation") describes its impending transformation into a desolate heap of ruins, a place for planting vineyards, with its stones poured into the valley and its foundations exposed. Verse 7 then elaborates on the *reason* for this devastation—Samaria's idolatry and spiritual harlotry—and the comprehensive nature of the divine retribution, focusing on the destruction of the very objects and profits of their sin. This verse thus serves as both an explanation and an amplification of the judgment announced in the immediate preceding context.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Samaria, as the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, was a hub of political, economic, and religious activity. Historically, the Northern Kingdom had a long-standing pattern of syncretism and idolatry, often blending the worship of Yahweh with Canaanite Baal worship and other pagan practices, as evidenced throughout the books of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - History of Israel and Judah") and [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "2 Kings - History of Israel and Judah"). This spiritual infidelity was frequently intertwined with political alliances with pagan nations and economic prosperity gained through unjust means, which the prophets often condemned as "spiritual harlotry." The "hires of an harlot" refers to the wages earned by a prostitute, but here it metaphorically represents the material wealth, political stability, or perceived security that Israel sought through its illicit spiritual and political dealings, rather than through faithful reliance on God. The destruction of "graven images" and "idols" reflects the common practice of conquering nations destroying the religious symbols of the vanquished, but here it is God Himself who orchestrates this definitive dismantling.

* **Key Themes:** Micah 1:7 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent in prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God in Judgment**, demonstrating His active and decisive role in punishing sin, particularly idolatry and spiritual unfaithfulness. The Lord declares, "will I lay desolate," emphasizing His direct agency. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Idolatry and Spiritual Adultery**. By likening Samaria's practices to "the hire of an harlot," Micah vividly portrays Israel's covenant unfaithfulness as spiritual prostitution, a theme also powerfully developed in the book of [Hosea](/hosea/1 "Hosea - The Prophet of God's Unfailing Love"). This unfaithfulness resulted in divine wrath and utter destruction. Lastly, it conveys the **Futility of Ill-Gotten Gains**. The phrase "they shall return to the hire of an harlot" signifies that wealth or benefits acquired through ungodly means—whether through idolatrous practices, unjust economic systems, or unholy alliances—are inherently cursed and will ultimately revert to their corrupt source, offering no lasting security or prosperity. This resonates with the wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 10:2](/proverbs/10-2 "Proverbs 10:2 - Treasures of Wickedness") which states, "Treasures of wickedness profit nothing."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Graven images (Hebrew, _pᵉçîyl'_):** From the root _pāsal_, meaning "to carve" or "to hew." This term refers specifically to sculpted or carved idols, often made of wood or stone, which were central objects of pagan worship. Their destruction signifies the complete eradication of false worship.
* **Hires (Hebrew, _ʼethnan'_):** This word denotes a gift or payment, specifically the price of harlotry or idolatry. Its repeated use in the verse powerfully reinforces the metaphor of spiritual prostitution, emphasizing that the gains Samaria acquired through its idolatrous practices and unholy alliances were defiled and illicit, earned through spiritual unfaithfulness to Yahweh.
* **Harlot (Hebrew, _zânâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to commit adultery," often of the female, or simple fornication. Figuratively, it means "to commit idolatry," viewing the Jewish people as the spouse of Jehovah. Here, it vividly portrays Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness to their covenant God, likening their pursuit of other gods and unholy alliances to the betrayal of a marriage vow.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the graven images thereof shall be beaten to pieces":** This clause declares the comprehensive destruction of Samaria's carved idols. The verb "beaten to pieces" (Hebrew _kâthath_) implies a violent and thorough pulverization, leaving nothing intact. It signifies God's absolute rejection and dismantling of all false worship.
* **"and all the hires thereof shall be burned with the fire":** This refers to the material wealth, offerings, or gains acquired through Samaria's idolatrous and unfaithful practices. These "hires," metaphorically the wages of spiritual prostitution, are explicitly condemned to be consumed by fire, symbolizing purification, judgment, and utter annihilation of their value and existence.
* **"and all the idols thereof will I lay desolate":** This reiterates and expands upon the destruction of false gods. The term "idols" (Hebrew _ʻâtsâb_) can refer to images that cause pain or sorrow, or simply man-made deities. The phrase "will I lay desolate" emphasizes God's direct agency in rendering these objects, and by extension the places of their worship, utterly barren and abandoned.
* **"for she gathered [it] of the hire of an harlot, and they shall return to the hire of an harlot":** This concluding phrase provides the theological justification for the judgment and highlights its ironic justice. Samaria, personified as a harlot, accumulated wealth and perceived benefits ("gathered it") through spiritual infidelity. The judgment ensures that these ill-gotten gains will not profit them but will "return to the hire of an harlot," meaning they will revert to their defiled, worthless origin, or be used for similarly illicit purposes by their conquerors, thus completing the cycle of divine retribution.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 1:7 is rich in **Metaphor**, primarily through the extended comparison of Samaria's idolatry to the actions of a **harlot**. This vivid imagery of "the hire of an harlot" powerfully conveys the spiritual infidelity and betrayal of Israel's covenant relationship with God. The verse also employs striking **Parallelism** through the repetition of destructive actions ("beaten to pieces," "burned with the fire," "lay desolate") applied to various forms of idolatry ("graven images," "hires," "idols"), emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's judgment. Furthermore, the concluding phrase, "for she gathered [it] of the hire of an harlot, and they shall return to the hire of an harlot," demonstrates a form of **Poetic Justice** or **Irony**, where the very means and fruits of their sin become the instruments and outcome of their judgment, reinforcing the principle that one reaps what one sows. The language also contains elements of **Hyperbole** in the absolute and total destruction described, underscoring the severity and finality of God's wrath against such profound unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 1:7 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding opposition to idolatry and spiritual harlotry, revealing His holy character as one who will not tolerate rivals to His worship. The destruction of "graven images" and the burning of "hires" underscore the futility and defilement of any worship or gain that is not centered on the one true God. This passage reminds us that God's covenant relationship with His people demands exclusive devotion, and any deviation is seen as a profound betrayal. The judgment is not arbitrary but a just response to Israel's persistent unfaithfulness, demonstrating that true prosperity and security are found only in obedience and trust in the Lord, not in illicit alliances or material gains acquired through spiritual compromise.

* [Deuteronomy 7:25](/deuteronomy/7-25 "Deuteronomy 7:25 - Destruction of Idols")
* [Isaiah 2:18-20](/isaiah/2-18-20 "Isaiah 2:18-20 - End of Idolatry")
* [Revelation 18:4-8](/revelation/18-4-8 "Revelation 18:4-8 - Judgment on Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 1:7 serves as a timeless and urgent warning for believers today. While we may not bow down to physical "graven images," the principle of idolatry remains profoundly relevant. Anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts—be it wealth, career, relationships, pleasure, power, or even our own self-image—can become a modern "graven image" or "idol." This verse challenges us to critically examine our allegiances and motivations. Are our "hires"—our achievements, our security, our comforts—gained through faithful devotion to God, or through compromises that betray our primary allegiance to Him? The message is clear: gains acquired through spiritual infidelity are ultimately futile and will be consumed by the fires of divine judgment, leaving desolation in their wake. True and lasting prosperity, peace, and security are found only in wholehearted, exclusive devotion to the Lord. We are called to purify our hearts, dismantle our idols, and ensure that our worship and pursuits are solely directed toward Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "graven images" or "idols" might be competing for my devotion in my life today?**
* **In what ways might I be seeking "hires" or gains outside of faithful obedience to God?**
* **How does the concept of spiritual harlotry challenge my understanding of my relationship with God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my worship and trust are exclusively directed toward the Lord?**

### FAQ
**What does "the hire of an harlot" specifically refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In Micah 1:7, "the hire of an harlot" refers metaphorically to the illicit gains, wealth, or perceived benefits that Samaria (representing the Northern Kingdom of Israel) acquired through its spiritual unfaithfulness to God. Just as a prostitute earns wages through immoral acts, Israel sought prosperity, security, and political advantage through alliances with pagan nations and the adoption of their idolatrous practices, rather than through faithful reliance on Yahweh. These "hires" were considered defiled and cursed, representing the corrupt fruits of their spiritual prostitution, a theme also seen in [Ezekiel 16:33](/ezekiel/16-33 "Ezekiel 16:33 - Israel's Harlotry").

**Why is God so severe in His judgment against idolatry?**

Answer: God's severe judgment against idolatry, as seen in Micah 1:7, stems from His holy and exclusive nature. As the one true God, He demands singular worship and devotion from His covenant people. Idolatry is not merely a minor transgression but a profound betrayal of the covenant relationship, akin to spiritual adultery. It diminishes God's glory, misdirects human worship, and leads to moral corruption and societal breakdown. Therefore, God's judgment is a righteous act to vindicate His holiness, uphold His covenant, and ultimately call His people back to Himself, as commanded in [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 1:7, with its vivid portrayal of the destruction of idols and the condemnation of spiritual harlotry, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The judgment pronounced upon Samaria's "graven images" and "hires" foreshadows Christ's decisive victory over all false gods and the systems of the world that compete for human allegiance. Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, dismantled the power of sin and idolatry, offering true liberation from spiritual bondage. He is the one to whom all worship is due, as declared in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation"). Furthermore, the "hire of an harlot" represents the futile and defiled gains of a life lived apart from God; in stark contrast, Christ offers the true and eternal "hire" or reward of salvation, freely given through His grace, not earned through illicit means. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, offering a new covenant where spiritual faithfulness is not merely a legal requirement but a transformed heart, as promised in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant"). Through Christ, believers are redeemed from the futility of their former ways and brought into a pure, unblemished relationship with God, becoming the bride of Christ, cleansed and made holy, as envisioned in [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 23:18

Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these [are] abomination unto the LORD thy God.

Hosea 2:12

And I will destroy her vines and her fig trees, whereof she hath said, These [are] my rewards that my lovers have given me: and I will make them a forest, and the beasts of the field shall eat them.

Hosea 8:6

For from Israel [was] it also: the workman made it; therefore it [is] not God: but the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.

Hosea 10:5

The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Bethaven: for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof [that] rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it.

Hosea 10:6

It shall be also carried unto Assyria [for] a present to king Jareb: Ephraim shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.

Revelation 18:3

For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

Jeremiah 44:17

But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense unto the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, as we have done, we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem: for [then] had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil.