2:7 2:7

Micah 2:8

2:9 2:9

Bible Versions

Even of late my people is risen up as an enemy: ye pull off the robe with the garment from them that pass by securely as men averse from war.
Even of late {H865} my people {H5971} is risen up {H6965} as an enemy {H341}: ye pull off {H6584} the robe {H145} with {H4136} the garment {H8008} from them that pass {H5674} by securely {H983} as men averse {H7725} from war {H4421}.
But lately my people behave like an enemy, stripping both cloaks and tunics from travelers who thought they were secure, so that they become like war refugees.
But of late My people have risen up like an enemy: You strip off the splendid robe from unsuspecting passersby like men returning from battle.
But of late my people is risen up as an enemy: ye strip the robe from off the garment from them that pass by securely as men averse from war.

Context

Micah 2:8 is part of a prophetic indictment against the people of Judah and Israel during the 8th century BC. The prophet Micah frequently condemned the widespread social injustices, greed, and oppression prevalent among the elite and even within the general populace. This particular verse follows a strong accusation in Micah 2:1-2 where the powerful are described as coveting and seizing lands and houses. Here, the focus shifts to their direct violent acts against the vulnerable, highlighting a severe moral and spiritual decline within what God called "my people."

Key Themes

  • Internal Betrayal and Injustice: The most striking aspect is God's lament that "my people" have risen up "as an enemy." This signifies a profound betrayal of their covenant relationship with God and each other. Instead of acting as a righteous nation, they behave like hostile invaders.
  • Wanton Oppression: The act of "pulling off the robe with the garment" refers to stripping individuals completely, leaving them exposed and destitute. This was a severe form of robbery and humiliation, often targeting the most vulnerable. It demonstrates a complete disregard for the dignity and well-being of others.
  • Targeting the Vulnerable: The victims are described as "them that pass by securely as men averse from war." This implies unsuspecting, peaceful travelers or citizens who pose no threat. Attacking such individuals underscores the utter depravity and cowardice of the oppressors, who prey on the defenseless. This contrasts sharply with the expectation for God's people to protect the weak, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 10:18.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "pull off the robe with the garment" (Hebrew: salmāh and ʾedderet) signifies a complete stripping. The salmāh was an outer cloak that often served as a blanket at night, and its seizure was regulated by law (Exodus 22:26-27). To take both garments was an act of extreme cruelty and robbery, leaving the victim utterly exposed and without protection or means. The KJV's "as men averse from war" translates a Hebrew phrase that can be challenging, but it generally depicts people who are peaceful, unsuspecting, and certainly not prepared for conflict, making them easy and dishonorable targets.

Reflection and Application

Micah 2:8 serves as a powerful warning against internal corruption within a community, especially one that claims to belong to God. It reminds us that true faith is not merely ritualistic but must be expressed through righteous living, justice, and compassion towards others. When those who should be guardians of justice become perpetrators of injustice, it is a profound spiritual crisis.

For us today, this verse challenges us to examine our own actions and the practices within our communities. Are we, as individuals or as a collective, contributing to or tolerating systems that oppress the vulnerable? Do we truly embody the love and justice that God demands, or do we, like the people in Micah's day, betray our calling by preying on those who are "averse from war"? This verse underscores the importance of actively pursuing justice and righteousness, especially for the marginalized, rather than exploiting them for personal gain.

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.

  • Psalms 120:6

    My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.

  • Psalms 120:7

    I [am for] peace: but when I speak, they [are] for war.

  • 2 Chronicles 28:5

    Wherefore the LORD his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought [them] to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter.

  • 2 Chronicles 28:8

    And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria.

  • Isaiah 9:21

    Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: [and] they together [shall be] against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

  • Psalms 55:20

    He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.

  • 2 Samuel 20:19

    I [am one of them that are] peaceable [and] faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?
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