2:5 2:5

Micah 2:6

2:7 2:7

Bible Versions

¶ Prophesy ye not, [say they to them that] prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, [that] they shall not take shame.
Prophesy {H5197} ye not, say they to them that prophesy {H5197}: they shall not prophesy {H5197} to them, that they shall not take {H5253} shame {H3639}.
"Don't preach!" - thus they preach! "They shouldn't preach about these things. Shame will not overtake us" -
“Do not preach,” they preach. “Do not preach these things; disgrace will not overtake us.”
Prophesy ye not, thusthey prophesy. They shall not prophesy to these: reproaches shall not depart.

Context

Micah 2:6 falls within a section where the prophet Micah condemns the wealthy and powerful in Judah and Israel for their oppressive practices, including covetousness, violence, and injustice (Micah 2:1-2). In response to Micah's pronouncements of impending divine judgment, the people, particularly those who are comfortable in their sin, demand that the true prophets cease their uncomfortable messages. They prefer to hear smooth words that do not expose their wrongdoing or threaten their way of life. This verse highlights the tension between God's truth-tellers and a populace unwilling to face their spiritual reality and the consequences of their actions.

Key Themes

  • Rejection of Divine Truth: The core message is the people's outright refusal to listen to God's warnings and condemnations delivered through His prophets. They actively try to silence the messengers because the message is inconvenient and convicting. This echoes a recurring theme throughout biblical history, where God's people often stiffened their necks and refused to listen to His voice.
  • Suppression of Prophecy: The phrase "Prophesy ye not" is a command to silence the voice of God. This act attempts to prevent the exposure of sin and the declaration of impending judgment, a common tactic of those who wish to continue in their transgressions unhindered.
  • Desire to Avoid Shame: The motivation for silencing the prophets is explicitly stated: "that they shall not take shame." The people do not want their evil deeds exposed, nor do they wish to face the humiliation and disgrace that comes from divine judgment or public condemnation of their sins. They prefer ignorance or self-deception over repentance.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb for "prophesy" (נָבָא, nava) carries the sense of speaking forth a message under divine inspiration, often with authority. It implies delivering God's very words, not mere human opinion. The term "shame" (כְּלִמָּה, kelimmah) signifies disgrace, dishonor, or humiliation. In this context, it refers to the public exposure and consequences of their iniquity, which the people desperately sought to avoid by silencing the prophets.

Practical Application

Micah 2:6 serves as a potent reminder that humanity often resists uncomfortable truths, especially when those truths expose personal sin or societal injustice.

  • A Call to Discernment: It challenges believers to discern between those who speak God's challenging truth and those who offer only comforting, yet ultimately deceptive, messages. We must be willing to hear and accept prophetic words, even if they convict us, rather than seeking to silence them.
  • The Cost of Truth-Telling: For those called to speak God's truth, this verse illustrates the opposition they may face. True prophets often endure rejection and hostility because their message convicts the listeners, highlighting the importance of courage and faithfulness in delivering God's word, even when it is unpopular (see also Acts 7:51).
  • The Danger of Spiritual Blindness: The desire to avoid shame can lead to spiritual blindness and a hardening of the heart, preventing repentance and leading to greater judgment. Embracing truth, even painful truth, is the path to genuine spiritual health and reconciliation with God.
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.

  • Amos 2:12

    But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not.

  • Isaiah 30:10

    Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

  • Acts 5:40

    And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten [them], they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

  • Jeremiah 8:11

    For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when [there is] no peace.

  • Jeremiah 8:12

    Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.

  • Psalms 74:9

    We see not our signs: [there is] no more any prophet: neither [is there] among us any that knoweth how long.

  • Ezekiel 20:46

    Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop [thy word] toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field;
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