Micah 3:8

ยถ But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.

But truly {H199} I am full {H4390} of power {H3581} by the spirit {H7307} of the LORD {H3068}, and of judgment {H4941}, and of might {H1369}, to declare {H5046} unto Jacob {H3290} his transgression {H6588}, and to Israel {H3478} his sin {H2403}.

On the other hand, I am full of power by the Spirit of ADONAI, full of justice and full of might, to declare to Ya'akov his crime, to Isra'el his sin.

As for me, however, I am filled with power by the Spirit of the LORD, with justice and courage, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.

But as for me, I am full of power by the Spirit of Jehovah, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.

Commentary

Micah 3:8 is a powerful declaration of prophetic authority and divine empowerment. In stark contrast to the corrupt leaders and false prophets he condemns, Micah asserts that his ability to expose Israel's sin comes directly from God's Spirit, not from human ambition or desire for gain.

Context

The preceding verses in Micah chapter 3 paint a grim picture of spiritual and moral decay among the leaders of Israel and Judah. Micah denounces the princes, judges, and prophets who exploit the people, pervert justice, and prophesy for money (Micah 3:1-7). They promise peace to those who pay them, but declare war against those who don't. Against this backdrop of venality and deception, Micah stands as a beacon of truth, emphasizing the divine source of his uncompromising message.

Key Themes

  • Divine Empowerment: Micah's strength and clarity are not his own, but are gifted to him "by the spirit of the LORD." This highlights the supernatural origin of true prophecy and the divine backing for God's messengers.
  • Prophetic Authority and Boldness: The prophet is "full of power," "judgment," and "might," enabling him to speak uncomfortable truths to a nation steeped in rebellion. This courage is essential for anyone called to declare God's message, especially when confronting sin.
  • God's Justice and Accountability: The purpose of Micah's empowerment is "to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin." This underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice and His intention to hold His people accountable for their moral and spiritual failings, particularly their covenant disobedience.
  • Contrast with False Prophets: This verse serves as a direct rebuttal to the false prophets mentioned earlier in the chapter. While they speak for personal gain, Micah speaks by divine mandate, delivering a message of truth and judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "spirit of the LORD" translates the Hebrew ruach Yahweh (ืจื•ึผื—ึท ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื”), signifying the very breath, power, and active presence of God. This divine inspiration is the source of Micah's ability to speak with authority. The terms "judgment" (mishpat - ืžึดืฉึฐืืคึธึผื˜) and "might" (gevurah - ื’ึฐึผื‘ื•ึผืจึธื”) further emphasize the divine nature and strength of his message. "Transgression" (pesha - ืคึถึผืฉึทืืข) refers to a deliberate rebellion or revolt against God's law, while "sin" (chatta'ah - ื—ึทื˜ึธึผืึธื”) broadly means "missing the mark" or falling short of God's standard. Together, they comprehensively describe the moral and spiritual failings of the nation.

Related Scriptures

  • The concept of a prophet being filled with the Spirit is seen in other Old Testament figures, such as Ezekiel 2:2, where the Spirit enters him to speak God's words.
  • Micah's declaration of sin echoes the consistent message of prophets who called Israel to repentance, similar to Isaiah 58:1, where the prophet is told to "cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins."
  • This prophetic courage to speak truth to power is a hallmark of God's messengers, a quality also exemplified by Jeremiah's call to speak all that God commands without fear.

Practical Application

Micah 3:8 reminds us of the enduring need for Spirit-empowered voices in society and the church that are willing to speak God's truth without compromise. It challenges believers to examine their own lives for "transgression" and "sin," and to be open to divine conviction. For those in positions of leadership, it serves as a stark warning about accountability and the dangers of corruption and self-interest. Ultimately, it affirms that God's Spirit equips His servants to declare His righteous standards and expose unrighteousness, even when it is unpopular or dangerous.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 58:1

    ยถ Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:12

    Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:13

    Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:4

    And my speech and my preaching [was] not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

  • Isaiah 11:2

    And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

  • Isaiah 11:3

    And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:

  • Ezekiel 43:10

    Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities: and let them measure the pattern.