Micah 3:4

KJV

Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shall they cry {H2199} unto the LORD {H3068}, but he will not hear {H6030} them: he will even hide {H5641} his face {H6440} from them at that time {H6256}, as they have behaved themselves ill {H7489} in their doings {H4611}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they will call to ADONAI, but he will not answer them; when that time comes, he will hide his face from them, because their deeds were so wicked.

Berean Standard Bible

Then they will cry out to the LORD, but He will not answer them. At that time He will hide His face from them because of the evil they have done.

American Standard Version

Then shall they cry unto Jehovah, but he will not answer them; yea, he will hide his face from them at that time, according as they have wrought evil in their doings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 3:4 delivers a stark prophetic indictment against the corrupt leaders and false prophets of ancient Israel and Judah, declaring a severe divine judgment. Because of their persistent wickedness, oppression, and perversion of justice, a time will come when they will desperately cry out to the LORD, but He will refuse to hear their pleas. Instead, He will hide His face from them, signifying a complete withdrawal of His favor, presence, and mercy, as a direct consequence of their evil deeds.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 3:4 stands as the climactic pronouncement of judgment within a powerful oracle specifically condemning the corrupt leadership of Judah (and implicitly, Israel). The preceding verses [Micah 3:1-3](/micah/3-1-3 "Micah 3:1-3 - Indictment of Corrupt Leaders") lay out the prophet's scathing accusations against the "heads of Jacob" and "princes of the house of Israel." Micah graphically describes their predatory nature, likening them to cannibals who "eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them" [Micah 3:3](/micah/3-3 "Micah 3:3 - Leaders Devour the People"). This vivid imagery underscores their exploitation, injustice, and cruelty towards the common people. Micah 3:4 then presents the divine response to this systemic moral decay: a reversal of divine attention, where the very God they ignored and dishonored will, in their time of distress, ignore them. This verse serves as a direct, inevitable consequence of their actions, highlighting the principle of divine retribution woven throughout Micah's prophecy, which often alternates between pronouncements of judgment and glimpses of future hope.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Micah prophesied during the late 8th century BCE, a tumultuous period for both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, under the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. This era was marked by significant social stratification, economic exploitation, and a pervasive decline in moral and spiritual integrity. While outwardly maintaining religious practices, the elite — including political rulers, judges, and even religious prophets — were deeply implicated in injustice, bribery, and oppression of the poor and vulnerable. Culturally, there was an expectation that God would always respond to the cries of His people, especially in times of distress, as seen in numerous psalms and historical accounts. Micah 3:4 shatters this complacent assumption, revealing that God's covenant faithfulness also entails judgment for persistent, unrepentant sin, particularly when it involves the abuse of power and the perversion of justice within His own people. The impending Assyrian threat and the fall of Samaria (722 BCE) loomed large, serving as a grim backdrop to Micah's warnings to Judah.
* **Key Themes:** Micah 3:4 powerfully articulates several core themes present throughout the book of Micah and the prophetic corpus. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Justice and Retribution**, demonstrating that God is not indifferent to sin, especially the exploitation of the vulnerable. His judgment is a righteous response to persistent disobedience and oppression, ensuring that actions have consequences. Secondly, the theme of **Unanswered Prayer as Judgment** is prominent; the Lord's refusal to hear the cries of those who have continually defied Him signifies a severe form of divine judgment, a complete withdrawal of favor and communication. This stands in stark contrast to God's usual responsiveness to His people's pleas, as seen in passages like [Psalm 18:6](/psalms/18-6 "Psalm 18:6 - God Hears the Righteous"). Thirdly, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Hypocrisy and False Piety**. Those who pretended to serve God or lead His people while engaging in wicked deeds will find that their outward religious observance or desperate cries in crisis will not avert the repercussions of their true "doings." Finally, the phrase "hide his face" introduces the theme of **Divine Abandonment and Displeasure**. This imagery symbolizes the withdrawal of God's protective presence, His blessings, and His very communication, representing the antithesis of His face shining upon His people, which signifies blessing and favor as invoked in the priestly blessing of [Numbers 6:25](/numbers/6-25 "Numbers 6:25 - The Priestly Blessing").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cry (Hebrew, _zâʻaq'_):** H2199, a primitive root meaning "to shriek (from anguish or danger)." It implies a desperate, often loud, cry for help, arising from a state of distress or emergency. In this context, it highlights the future desperation of those who once held power but now face the consequences of their actions.
* **hear (Hebrew, _ʻânâh'_):** H6030, a primitive root meaning "to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e. pay attention; by implication, to respond." While often translated as "answer," it carries the nuance of paying attention to and responding effectively to a plea. God's refusal to "hear" them signifies not an inability to perceive their sound, but a deliberate withholding of His attentive, responsive presence and help.
* **hide (Hebrew, _çâthar'_):** H5641, a primitive root meaning "to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively." This verb, when used with "face," denotes a deliberate act of concealment, signifying withdrawal, absence, or rejection. It is a powerful expression of divine displeasure and abandonment.
* **doings (Hebrew, _maʻălâl'_):** H4611, from a root meaning "to act." It refers to an act, deed, or work, which can be good or bad. Here, it specifically refers to the "ill" or wicked acts of the leaders, emphasizing that the divine judgment is a direct, just recompense for their specific behaviors and practices.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shall they cry unto the LORD,"**: This clause sets the scene for a future time of distress for the corrupt leaders and false prophets previously condemned by Micah. The "they" refers back to those who have engaged in severe injustice and exploitation. Their "cry" (zâʻaq) indicates a desperate, anguished plea, likely born of the suffering or judgment that has befallen them. It suggests a sudden realization of their need for divine intervention, perhaps when all other avenues of escape or help have failed.
* **"but he will not hear them:"**: This is the core of the divine judgment. The LORD's refusal to "hear" (ʻânâh) them is not an inability but a deliberate, active choice to withhold His attention and responsive action. This is a profound reversal of the typical covenant relationship where God is attentive to the cries of His people. It signifies a severing of communication and a refusal of mercy, directly mirroring their prior disregard for His laws and His people.
* **"he will even hide his face from them at that time,"**: This powerful anthropomorphic expression reinforces the previous declaration. "Hiding His face" (çâthar pânîym) is a potent Hebrew idiom signifying divine displeasure, rejection, and the withdrawal of God's protective, blessing presence. It contrasts sharply with God "shining His face" upon His people, which denotes favor and blessing. This act of hiding His face implies a complete abandonment, leaving them exposed to the consequences of their sins without divine succor. The phrase "at that time" emphasizes the specific moment of their distress, when they most desperately need Him, He will be absent.
* **"as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings."**: This final clause provides the explicit justification for God's severe judgment. The phrase "behaved themselves ill" (râʻaʻ) refers to their morally corrupt and wicked actions, specifically their "doings" (maʻălâl) – their practices of injustice, oppression, and perversion of truth. This underscores the principle of divine justice: God's response is not arbitrary but a direct, righteous consequence of their unrepentant and persistent sin. Their own actions have brought about this severe divine abandonment.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 3:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. **Irony** is prominent, as those who previously ignored God's commands and exploited His people will themselves be ignored by God in their time of need. The very ones who turned their "face" away from justice will find God's "face" hidden from them. **Anthropomorphism** is central to the verse, particularly in the phrase "hide his face," attributing human-like action (hiding) to God to convey His emotional and relational posture of displeasure and withdrawal. This phrase also functions as a powerful **Symbolism**, representing divine abandonment, the cessation of blessing, and the absence of God's protective presence. The verse also implicitly uses **Retribution Theology**, clearly linking the wicked "doings" of the leaders directly to the severe, reciprocal judgment they will experience, emphasizing that their suffering is a just consequence of their actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 3:4 profoundly illustrates the theological principle that God's justice is not merely punitive but also restorative and covenantal. While He is merciful and slow to anger, His holiness demands a response to persistent, unrepentant sin, especially when it involves the oppression of the vulnerable and the perversion of justice by those in positions of authority. The idea of God refusing to hear prayers or hiding His face is a severe form of divine judgment, signifying a profound breach in the covenant relationship. It teaches that true relationship with God requires not just ritualistic observance or desperate cries in crisis, but a life characterized by righteousness, justice, and integrity, reflecting His character. This passage serves as a timeless warning that divine accountability is inevitable, and a reminder that God’s character demands that He uphold justice and respond to the cries of the oppressed, even if it means turning His face from the oppressor.

* [Proverbs 1:28](/proverbs/1-28 "Proverbs 1:28 - Wisdom's Warning to Scoffers")
* [Isaiah 1:15](/isaiah/1-15 "Isaiah 1:15 - God Rejects Insincere Worship")
* [Psalm 66:18](/psalms/66-18 "Psalm 66:18 - If I Regard Iniquity in My Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 3:4 serves as a potent and enduring warning for all generations, particularly for those in positions of leadership, whether in civil, religious, or even familial spheres. It confronts the dangerous delusion that outward religious observance or desperate pleas in times of crisis can substitute for a life of genuine integrity and justice. The verse compels us to examine our "doings"—our actions, decisions, and character—to ensure they align with God's righteous standards, rather than being characterized by exploitation, self-interest, or the perversion of truth. It reminds us that God's justice is not a passive force but an active principle that holds all accountable. For the individual, it challenges us to cultivate a heart of repentance and to live consistently in accordance with God's moral law, recognizing that true communion with God is predicated on a life of obedience and love for justice. It calls us to reflect on whether our prayers are accompanied by righteous actions, lest we find ourselves in a spiritual state where our cries for help go unanswered.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might individuals or leaders today be "behaving ill in their doings" while still expecting God's favor or intervention?**
* **How does this verse challenge our assumptions about prayer, particularly the idea that God will always answer every cry, regardless of our lifestyle or actions?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure our "doings" reflect God's justice and righteousness, especially in our spheres of influence?**
* **How does the concept of God "hiding His face" from the unrepentant contrast with His desire to draw near to those who seek Him sincerely?**

### FAQ

**Why would God refuse to hear someone's cry, as described in this verse?**

Answer: God's refusal to hear in Micah 3:4 is not an act of arbitrary cruelty but a righteous judgment against persistent, unrepentant wickedness. The individuals in question—corrupt leaders and false prophets—had systematically exploited the vulnerable, perverted justice, and defied God's moral law. Their "doings" were characterized by evil. When they cry out in distress, God's refusal to hear is a consequence of their prior, deliberate rejection of Him and His ways. It underscores the principle that while God is merciful, He is also just and holy. He does not overlook systemic injustice and unrepentant sin, especially from those who should have known better. This is echoed in other scriptures, such as [Proverbs 28:9](/proverbs/28-9 "Proverbs 28:9 - God Hates the Prayer of the Disobedient"), which states, "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination."

**Who are "they" in Micah 3:4, and why is this judgment specifically directed at them?**

Answer: The "they" in Micah 3:4 refers primarily to the corrupt leaders and false prophets of Judah, as indicted in the preceding verses of [Micah 3](/micah/3 "Micah 3 - Indictment of Leaders and Prophets"). This includes the "heads of Jacob" and "princes of the house of Israel" [Micah 3:1](/micah/3-1 "Micah 3:1 - Hear, O Heads of Jacob"), who were responsible for administering justice, and the prophets who prophesied for money rather than truth [Micah 3:5](/micah/3-5 "Micah 3:5 - False Prophets"). This judgment is specifically directed at them because their positions of authority carried a greater responsibility to uphold God's law and care for His people. Their abuse of power and perversion of justice were particularly egregious in God's eyes, making their accountability and the resulting judgment more severe.

**Does God still "hide His face" from people today?**

Answer: The concept of God "hiding His face" is a powerful biblical metaphor for the withdrawal of His favor, presence, and blessing due to unrepentant sin. While God's character remains immutable, the nature of His interaction with humanity has been profoundly transformed through Christ. For those who are in Christ, through faith and repentance, God's face is no longer hidden in judgment; rather, believers are invited into His presence with boldness [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace"). However, the principle that persistent, unrepentant sin can lead to a sense of divine distance or a lack of responsiveness to prayer remains relevant. This is not necessarily a punitive "hiding" for believers, but rather a consequence of a broken fellowship that needs to be restored through confession and repentance, as highlighted in [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confess Our Sins"). For those who remain in rebellion against God, the spiritual reality of His hidden face—His absence of favor and blessing—persists.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 3:4, with its stark prophecy of God hiding His face from the wicked, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The judgment described—God's refusal to hear the cries of those whose "doings" were evil—foreshadows the ultimate divine judgment against sin itself. On the cross, Jesus, the sinless Son of God, became the recipient of the very judgment described in Micah. As He hung there, bearing the full weight of humanity's "ill doings," He cried out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction"). In that moment, the Father truly "hid His face" from the Son, not because of Christ's own sin, but because He was made "to be sin for us, who knew no sin" [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"). This divine abandonment of Christ on the cross was the ultimate act of justice, satisfying the righteous demands of a holy God. Through this unparalleled sacrifice, the way was opened for humanity to no longer have God's face hidden from them. Now, through faith in Christ, believers can approach God with confidence, knowing that their sins have been atoned for, and God's face shines upon them with favor and acceptance, offering a relationship of constant access and answered prayer, as promised in [John 14:13-14](/john/14-13-14 "John 14:13-14 - Ask in My Name"). Christ is the one through whom God's face is revealed, and His presence is made accessible, transforming the prophetic judgment into the promise of eternal communion.

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

Proverbs 1:28

Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

Isaiah 1:15

And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

Ezekiel 8:18

Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, [yet] will I not hear them.

Psalms 18:41

They cried, but [there was] none to save [them: even] unto the LORD, but he answered them not.

Micah 2:3

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, against this family do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks; neither shall ye go haughtily: for this time [is] evil.

Micah 2:4

In that day shall [one] take up a parable against you, and lament with a doleful lamentation, [and] say, We be utterly spoiled: he hath changed the portion of my people: how hath he removed [it] from me! turning away he hath divided our fields.

Matthew 7:22

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?