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.
This prophetic judgment pronounces devastating spiritual consequences. The phrase אָז יִזְעֲקוּ אֶל־יְהוָה (az yiz'aqu el-YHWH, 'Then they shall cry out to the LORD') uses זָעַק (za'aq), meaning desperate screaming in distress—the kind of cry uttered in mortal danger. But it will be too late. The stark declaration וְלֹא־יַעֲנֶה אוֹתָם (velo-ya'aneh otam, 'but He will not answer them') reverses normal covenant expectations where God promises to hear His people's cries (Exodus 22:23, Psalm 50:15). The phrase וְיַסְתֵּר פָּנָיו (veyaster panav, 'and He will hide His face') is terrifying—God's face represents His presence, blessing, and attention (Numbers 6:25-26). Hiding the face means withdrawal of protection and favor.
The causal connection כַּאֲשֶׁר הֵרֵעוּ מַעַלְלֵיהֶם (ka'asher here'u ma'alelehem, 'as they have made evil their doings') shows divine justice—their actions determine God's response. The word מַעַלָל (ma'alal) refers to habitual practices or deeds, suggesting persistent, willful sin rather than occasional failure. This is measure-for-measure justice: they ignored the poor's cries, so God ignores theirs. The temporal word אָז (az, 'then') points to a specific time of judgment when their religious activity will no longer mask their injustice.
Historical Context
Micah prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (around 735-700 BC), addressing both Israel and Judah. Chapter 3 specifically condemns corrupt leaders—rulers who 'hate good and love evil' (3:2), 'eat the flesh' of God's people (3:3), and prophets who prophesy for money (3:11). The historical context includes Israel's fall to Assyria (722 BC) and threats against Judah. These leaders perverted justice, took bribes, and oppressed the poor while maintaining religious rituals. Micah warns that religious activity without justice is worthless—God will not hear prayers from those who exploit others. This theme resonates through Scripture (Isaiah 1:15, Proverbs 21:13, James 2:13). God's hiding His face represents covenant curse (Deuteronomy 31:17-18), the opposite of His promised blessing.
Questions for Reflection
What does it mean for God to 'not answer' prayers—how does this relate to persistent sin?
How do we reconcile God's promise to hear prayers with His statement that He'll hide His face?
What specific behaviors provoked this judgment according to Micah 3's context?
How does the principle 'as they have done' demonstrate divine justice?
What warning does this verse provide for religious people who neglect justice and mercy?
Analysis & Commentary
This prophetic judgment pronounces devastating spiritual consequences. The phrase אָז יִזְעֲקוּ אֶל־יְהוָה (az yiz'aqu el-YHWH, 'Then they shall cry out to the LORD') uses זָעַק (za'aq), meaning desperate screaming in distress—the kind of cry uttered in mortal danger. But it will be too late. The stark declaration וְלֹא־יַעֲנֶה אוֹתָם (velo-ya'aneh otam, 'but He will not answer them') reverses normal covenant expectations where God promises to hear His people's cries (Exodus 22:23, Psalm 50:15). The phrase וְיַסְתֵּר פָּנָיו (veyaster panav, 'and He will hide His face') is terrifying—God's face represents His presence, blessing, and attention (Numbers 6:25-26). Hiding the face means withdrawal of protection and favor.
The causal connection כַּאֲשֶׁר הֵרֵעוּ מַעַלְלֵיהֶם (ka'asher here'u ma'alelehem, 'as they have made evil their doings') shows divine justice—their actions determine God's response. The word מַעַלָל (ma'alal) refers to habitual practices or deeds, suggesting persistent, willful sin rather than occasional failure. This is measure-for-measure justice: they ignored the poor's cries, so God ignores theirs. The temporal word אָז (az, 'then') points to a specific time of judgment when their religious activity will no longer mask their injustice.