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"Is it not for you to know justice"

Text: Micah 3:1

THE RULERS OF ISRAEL TO ASSIST MOSES

Moses was given good advice by Jethro, his father-in-law, after he led Israel out of Egypt. Jethro urged him to consider getting others to help him with reference to giving leadership to the nascent nation. The criteria given was good and sound.

“Moreover, you shall select from all the people able men,
such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness;
and place such over them to be rulers of thousands,
rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.”
Exodus 18:21

THE RULERS IN THE DAYS OF MICAH

Micah grieved over the state of leadership expressed by rulers who governed the land of Israel.

“And I said:
‘Hear now, O heads of Jacob,
And you rulers of the house of Israel:
Is it not for you to know justice?'”
Micah 3:1

1. “And I said”

a) Micah spoke as a concerned citizen.

b) He also spoke as a prophet of God.

c) He spoke on all who had suffered injustice at the hands of the rulers.

2. The leaders addressed

a) These were “heads”.

b) These were “rulers”.

c) The nation was called “Jacob” and “Israel” at the same time.

d) There was such conflict and contradiction evidenced among the rulers.

3. “Is it not for you to know justice”

a) Justice was basic.

i) This was upholding of the law.

ii) Protection of the citizens from being bullied and victimized.

b) From the days of Moses, the following criteria was established:

i) Rulers must be able men.

ii) They must practise the fear of God.

iii) They must be men of truth.

iv) They must hate covetousness (to prevent succumbing to bribery).

v) The above criteria were obviously ignored!