Then the seers will be ashamedIn the context of ancient Israel, seers were individuals who claimed to have the ability to perceive divine messages and visions. The term "ashamed" indicates a profound sense of disgrace and failure. This shame arises because their predictions and insights are proven false or ineffective. In biblical history, true prophets were validated by the fulfillment of their prophecies (
Deuteronomy 18:21-22). The seers' shame reflects their inability to deliver true messages from God, contrasting with the genuine prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah, who spoke with authority and accuracy.
and the diviners will be disgraced.
Diviners were those who practiced divination, attempting to foretell the future or gain insight through supernatural means, often condemned in the Hebrew Scriptures (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Their disgrace comes from their reliance on false methods and their failure to provide true guidance. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the futility of trusting in human wisdom or pagan practices over divine revelation. The disgrace of the diviners underscores the superiority of God's wisdom over human attempts to control or predict the future.
They will all cover their mouths
Covering the mouth is a cultural expression of silence, shame, or mourning. In the ancient Near East, this gesture signified an acknowledgment of one's inability to speak or defend oneself, often in the face of judgment or failure. This imagery is used elsewhere in Scripture to depict silence before divine authority (Job 40:4). The seers and diviners, once vocal and confident, are now rendered speechless, highlighting their impotence and the futility of their practices.
because there is no answer from God.”
The absence of an answer from God signifies divine judgment and the withdrawal of His guidance. In the biblical narrative, God's silence often indicates disfavor or a response to persistent disobedience (1 Samuel 28:6). This silence contrasts with times when God actively communicated with His people through prophets. The lack of divine response underscores the seriousness of Israel's spiritual condition and the consequences of turning away from God. It also foreshadows the coming of Christ, who is the ultimate revelation and communication of God to humanity (Hebrews 1:1-2).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MicahA prophet in the 8th century BC, Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah and Hosea. He prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and his messages were directed towards both Israel and Judah.
2.
SeersIndividuals in ancient Israel who claimed to have the ability to see visions and predict the future. They were often consulted for divine guidance.
3.
DivinersPractitioners who attempted to foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge through various means, often considered illegitimate or false prophets in the biblical context.
4.
Judah and IsraelThe divided kingdoms of the Hebrew people during Micah's time. Judah was the southern kingdom, and Israel was the northern kingdom.
5.
God's JudgmentThe event or action of divine retribution that Micah prophesies against the false prophets and leaders of Israel and Judah for their corruption and misleading of the people.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of False ProphecyFalse prophets and diviners will face shame and disgrace when their predictions fail, highlighting the importance of truth and integrity in spiritual leadership.
The Silence of GodWhen God does not answer, it is often a sign of judgment or disapproval. This silence serves as a warning to seek genuine repentance and alignment with God's will.
Discernment in LeadershipBelievers are called to discern the truth and be wary of those who claim to speak for God without evidence of His endorsement. True prophecy aligns with God's revealed word.
The Importance of AccountabilitySpiritual leaders are accountable to God for their teachings. Misleading others for personal gain leads to divine judgment and public disgrace.
Repentance and RestorationWhile
Micah 3:7 speaks of judgment, it also implies the possibility of restoration through repentance. Turning back to God can restore communication and favor.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Micah 3:7?
2.How does Micah 3:7 warn against false prophets' reliance on divination?
3.What does Micah 3:7 reveal about God's response to false prophecy?
4.How can we discern true prophecy today, based on Micah 3:7?
5.Compare Micah 3:7 with Deuteronomy 18:20-22 on false prophecy consequences.
6.How should Micah 3:7 influence our trust in spiritual leaders?
7.What does Micah 3:7 reveal about false prophets and their influence on society?
8.How does Micah 3:7 challenge the authenticity of spiritual leaders today?
9.Why does God allow false prophets to exist, as suggested in Micah 3:7?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Micah 3?
11.How does Jesus' life and teachings fulfill God's promise?
12.What makes Christianity unique compared to other religions?
13.What does 'You are my Son' signify?
14.What does 'Every Spiritual Blessing' mean?What Does Micah 3:7 Mean
Then the seers will be ashamed“Then the seers will be ashamed …” (Micah 3:7a)
• Micah has just condemned leaders who “hate good and love evil” (Micah 3:2). Because the so-called seers catered to those corrupt rulers, their exposure is inevitable.
• Shame is the fruit of falsehood. When Elijah mocked the prophets of Baal—who cried out all day with no fire from heaven—those men were publicly humbled (1 Kings 18:27–29). In the same way, Micah foresees the moment when counterfeit visionaries are unmasked.
• God has always warned His people about pretending to speak in His name. Jeremiah faced “prophets of deception” who would ultimately “be put to shame” (Jeremiah 14:14–16; 23:25-32).
and the diviners will be disgraced“… and the diviners will be disgraced.” (Micah 3:7b)
• Divination—seeking secret knowledge apart from God—was strictly forbidden (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). These men claimed supernatural insight yet trafficked in lies for profit (Micah 3:11).
• Disgrace here is moral as well as social. Just as Pharaoh’s magicians finally confessed, “This is the finger of God” (Exodus 8:19), the diviners Micah addresses will have no choice but to acknowledge their defeat.
• InActs 8:9-24 Simon the sorcerer believed he could purchase the Holy Spirit’s power; when confronted by Peter, he begged for mercy, illustrating how quickly worldly prestige turns to humiliation before true authority.
They will all cover their mouths“They will all cover their mouths …” (Micah 3:7c)
• Covering the mouth is a gesture of silence and guilt. Job “put his hand over his mouth” when confronted by God’s majesty (Job 40:4).
• The picture is that of professional spokesmen suddenly struck dumb. Without God’s endorsement, their words dry up.
• Ezekiel describes a parallel moment when false counselors “see false visions” yet receive no message; God says, “My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions” (Ezekiel 13:6-9). Silence becomes their only honest response.
because there is no answer from God“… because there is no answer from God.” (Micah 3:7d)
• The ultimate tragedy for a prophet is divine silence.Psalm 74:9 laments, “We do not see our symbols; there is no longer any prophet …”
• God’s silence serves as judgment. Saul, having rebelled, inquired of the LORD, “but the LORD did not answer him, by dreams or Urim or prophets” (1 Samuel 28:6). He then turned to a medium, confirming his downfall.
• Micah contrasts himself with these frauds: “But as for me, I am filled with power—with the Spirit of the LORD” (Micah 3:8). Authentic ministry enjoys God’s ongoing voice; false ministry is abandoned to emptiness.
summaryMicah 3:7 paints a sobering scene: counterfeit spiritual leaders will face shame, disgrace, enforced silence, and divine abandonment. Their public undoing highlights God’s unwavering commitment to truth and justice. Genuine prophetic authority flows only from a life aligned with the Lord; when that connection is severed, even the most persuasive charlatan is left speechless.
(7)
They shall all cover their lips.--As the lepers, who were cut off from all communication with men, so also these false prophets, being cut off from all communion with God, were to "put a covering upon the upper lip." It was also a sign of mourning for one dead, and Ezekiel was commanded to awaken the astonishment of the people by omitting to cover his upper lip when his wife died.
Verse 7. -
Shall the seers be ashamed. The false prophets shall be ashamed because their oracles are proved to be delusive.
They shall all cover their lips;
the upper lip;
i.e. the face up to the nose, in sign of mourning and shame (see
Leviticus 13:45;
Ezekiel 24:17, 22). It is equivalent to covering the head for the same reason, as
Esther 6:12;
Jeremiah 14:4. Septuagint,
Καταλαλήσουσικαὶ αὐτῶν πάντες αὐτοί, taking the verb to mean "shall open" (not "cover") their lips against them.
For there is no answer of God. There was no revelation (
Psalm 74:9;
Ezekiel 7:26). Septuagint,
Διότι οὐκ ἔσταιὁ ἐπακούων αὐτῶν, "Because there shall be none that hearkeneth unto them."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then the seersהַחֹזִ֗ים(ha·ḥō·zîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2374:A beholder in vision, a compactwill be ashamedוּבֹ֣שׁוּ(ū·ḇō·šū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 954:To pale, to be ashamed, to be disappointed, delayedand the divinersהַקֹּ֣סְמִ֔ים(haq·qō·sə·mîm)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7080:To distribute, determine by lot, magical scroll, to divinedisgraced.וְחָֽפְרוּ֙(wə·ḥā·p̄ə·rū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 2659:To blush, to be ashamed, disappointed, to shame, reproachThey will allכֻּלָּ֑ם(kul·lām)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everycoverוְעָט֥וּ(wə·‘ā·ṭū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5844:To wrap oneself, enwrap, envelop oneselftheir mouthsשָׂפָ֖ם(śā·p̄ām)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8222:The beardbecauseכִּ֛י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction[there is] noאֵ֥ין(’ên)Adverb
Strong's 369:A non-entity, a negative particleanswerמַעֲנֵ֖ה(ma·‘ă·nêh)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4617:An answer, responsefrom God.אֱלֹהִֽים׃(’ĕ·lō·hîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative
Links
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OT Prophets: Micah 3:7 The seers shall be disappointed and (Mc Mic. Mi)