2:1 Woe to The Hebrew term is used here as a divine threat. In this form, the prophetic oracle is called a “woe pronouncement.” See note on Ezek 13:3.

evil deeds upon their beds These wicked individuals lay on their beds at night thinking of evil plots. They cannot sleep because they are consumed with wickedness.

power The Hebrew word used here typically means “god”; however, when used of people it denotes strength or might. These evildoers were powerful, wealthy people with the ability to carry out their schemes and profit by them (see Micah 2:2).

2:2 . They oppress a man and his house; a man and his inheritance An example of poetic synonymous parallelism.

Parallelism in Hebrew Poetry Table

2:3 this family Refers to those who commit iniquity (see v. 1).

you will not be able to remove your necks The image is that of an animal with a yoke placed on its shoulders that it cannot remove.

You will not walk proudly The mistreatment of others (see v. 2) has given these evildoers the impression that they are better than those upon whom they prey.

2:4 a proverb The Hebrew text uses a term that usually refers to a proverb. In this context it is best seen as a derogatory proverbial chant against an object of scorn and ridicule, such as the foreign nations (see Deut 28:37; Isa 14:4; Jer 24:9; Hab 2:6; compare note on Prov 1:1).

that day The “Day of Yahweh,” a day of divine judgment (see Joel 2:1; Amos 5:18; Obad 15).

the portion of my people The land of Israel was the inheritance of the Jews (see Deut 3:28; 1 Kgs 8:36; Psa 105:11).

he apportions our field to an apostate The land of Israel will be given to a foreign nation that does not worship Yahweh (see Deut 28:49).

field Collectively refers to orchards, vineyards, and grain fields.

2:5 casting a line To measure a plot of land. The land of Israel had originally been divided by the casting of lots (see Josh 14:2; 15:1; 16:1; 17:1).

by lot The casting of lots was seen throughout the ancient Near East as a way of allowing the gods to make their decisions known to people (see Esth 3:7). Both Herodotus (Histories 3.128) and Xenophon (Cyropaedia 1.6.46; 4.5.55) mention the custom of casting lots.

the assembly of Yahweh The nation of Israel.

2:6 They should not preach to these The false prophets of the land were encouraging Micah not to prophesy such harsh words. Isaiah encountered the same type of antagonism at this time (Isa 30:10).

disgrace will not overtake The false prophets claimed Yahweh would not send judgment on Israel.

2:7 O house of Jacob That is, Israel. See note on Micah 1:5.

Is the patience of Yahweh shortened The false prophets were questioning whether Yahweh had grown impatient.

these his deeds The false prophets were questioning whether these deeds were the deeds of Yahweh.

to him who walks upright Micah reminds the nation that the words of the true prophets of God benefit the righteous.

2:8 have risen up as an enemy Instead of walking uprightly (see v. 7), the nation had become violent and oppressive in their actions toward each other.

as an enemy The Israelites were treating each other not as brothers, but as foreign enemies.

the cloak you strip off the robe The people believed themselves to be safe as they journeyed through the land of Israel. However, the evildoers brutally attacked these unsuspecting travelers and robbed them of their clothing.

2:9 You have driven out the women of my people from the houses of their pleasure The treachery of the evildoers even extended to the abuse of women.

From their children The children of these defenseless women would have been deeply impacted by the loss of their inheritance. They may have been forced to sell themselves as slaves in a foreign land.

my glory Probably a reference to the land of Israel.

2:10 this is no resting place Micah commanded the people to leave Israel because it was no longer a place of rest.

uncleanness that destroys with painful destruction The land of Israel was about to become a place of destruction because of the wickedness of the Israelites.

2:11 a preacher for This rare Hebrew term for a prophet or preacher comes from the verb used here and in v. 6 for prophesying or preaching.

this people Refers to the Israelites.

all of you, O Jacob Refers to the faithful remnant, those who have survived the time of judgment. See note on 1:5.

they will be in tumult Sheep gathered in a flock can create a very loud noise. The noise implied by the Hebrew expression here is probably due to shouts of thanksgiving and rejoicing.

2:13 The one who breaks out The Messiah, the Ruler of Israel (see 5:2). The Messiah will act as a shepherd for the Israelites. The shepherd motif appears throughout the prophets (see Isa 40:11; Ezek 34:5, 8, 12, 23; Zech 11; compare John 10).

before them The group described in Micah 2:12.

and pass the gate The gate of the enclosure (see v. 12).

Their king The Messiah, the Ruler of Israel (see 5:2).

at their head Or, at the front of the procession.