“The leaders pronounce judgment for reward, and the priests instruct for a price, and the prophets divine for money.” (v.11a)
Chapter 3 begins with the prophet's second of three messages, this one extending through chapter 5. This and the other two messages (ch. 1-2 and 6-7) are introduced either by a call to "Hear" or "Listen." This second of Micah's messages was addressed to the rulers, and was concerned with the coming of God's true Ruler. It consisted of a denunciation of those in authority, both princes and priests and prophets, and an exposure of the falseness of their authority.
The heads (princes), exercised their judicial function for reward. They were open to bribery, their decisions could be bought by those able to reward them. The priests taught for hire, and therefore their teaching was accommodated to the desires of those who paid them. The prophets were seeking for money, and therefore they divined (surmised, guessed, conjecture). That was not the true method. The prophet speaks what God gives him to speak. But God's word cannot be bought. Therefore the prophets turn to wizardry.
In each case the inspiration of the exercise of authority (whether that of prince, or priest, or prophet), was the desire of self-enrichment. This is the evil principle in false authority. When government is in the interest of the governing classes, instead of the governed, it is evil. Rule, inspired by the self-interest of the rulers, spells ruin. All human attempts at government, whether autocratic or democratic, should be examined in the light of this principle.
History is littered with people who compromised their character when a promised pleasure or payoff looked too good to pass up. I pray that you are not being tempted to compromise your Christian character and testimony in some way. Bur if you are, seek out someone you can trust to hold you accountable and cast your burden upon the LORD. The one who knows the very number of the hairs on your head (Matthew 10:30), will not let you fall.
The Truth: “Cast all your cares upon Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
