Micah 7:3
That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Eighth-century BC Judah's elite formed corrupt networks that controlled courts, commerce, and governance. The law prohibited bribery (Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 16:19), but by Micah's era, it was standard practice. Officials openly demanded payment; judges sold verdicts; wealthy elites coordinated exploitation. This systemic corruption made reform nearly impossible—the entire power structure was complicit. Similar patterns appear throughout history: late Roman corruption, medieval church abuses, modern kleptocracies. When corruption becomes systemic, individual righteousness isn't enough—only comprehensive judgment can cleanse society. God's judgment through Babylon (586 BC) dismantled Judah's corrupt power structures, though at terrible cost.
Questions for Reflection
- How does systematic corruption (weaving together evil schemes) differ from individual wrongdoing in its impact and resistance to reform?
- What does it mean to do evil 'with both hands earnestly'—how does sin become a craft pursued with diligence?
- How should believers respond when corruption reaches systemic levels where all power centers are complicit?
Analysis & Commentary
That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up. Corruption becomes systematic conspiracy. עַל־הָרַע כַּפַּיִם לְהֵיטִיב (al-hara kapayim le-heitiv, "concerning evil, both hands to do it well"). This phrase suggests using both hands energetically—they don't do evil halfheartedly but with full commitment and skill. Evil becomes their craft, pursued with diligence and expertise.
הַשַּׂר שֹׁאֵל וְהַשֹּׁפֵט בַּשִּׁלּוּם (ha-sar sho'el ve-ha-shophet ba-shillum, "the prince asks, and the judge for a bribe"). שַׂר (sar) is a prince or official; שֹׁפֵט (shophet) is a judge. Both demand שִׁלּוּם (shillum)—payment, bribe, reward. וְהַגָּדוֹל דֹּבֵר הַוַּת נַפְשׁוֹ הוּא (ve-ha-gadol dover havat nafsho hu, "and the great man speaks the desire of his soul"). The influential man openly declares his corrupt desire. וַיְעַבְּתוּהָ (vay-abbtuha, "and they weave it together"). They conspire, coordinating corruption.
This depicts institutionalized injustice—not isolated corruption but systematic conspiracy. Princes, judges, and powerful men collaborate to pervert justice. They "weave together" their schemes, creating an impenetrable network of corruption. When leadership at every level conspires for evil, society becomes irredeemably corrupt. Only divine intervention can address such systemic wickedness.