Rich Men Made Sick and Desolate Micah 6:13

As the LORD continued through Micah the prophet to deal with the businessmen within Samaria and Jerusalem, He identified unjust weights and balances among them as tools for cheating people. They had become rich because of their pernicious ways, and the LORD was aware of their wickedness. He said these wealthy businessmen were “full of violence”, “have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth”. In chapter six and verse thirteen of Micah's prophesy, the LORD shares His retribution for these “rich men's” actions where we read:

Therefore also will I make you sick in smiting you, in making you desolate because of your sins.

The verse begins, “Therefore also will I make you sick in smiting you,” Micah began recording the LORD's words with “Therefore” which we have learned is a conclusion word which references us to something that was just stated. In this case, the LORD is directing His words toward the “rich men” and their wicked behavior, “Therefore” “also I will make you sick” which means “to be or become weak, be or become diseased, be or become grieved, be or become sorry” “in smiting you” or “to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill, give a thrust or attack you”. Can we even imagine what it would be like to be “attacked” by the LORD?

The verse goes on to say, “in making you desolate because of your sins.” Micah goes on to record, “in making you desolate” which means “to be appalled, stunned, stupefied, desolated, deflowered, deserted, awestruck, causing horror, ravaged, astounded and to cause one ruin”. The reason given is “because of your sins” or “condition of sin, guilt and ceremonial uncleanness”. Though these wealthy businessmen became rich by cheating and stealing from others, the LORD was going to make them “sick” and “desolate” because of their evil deeds.

As we think through these words of the LORD as recorded by Micah, we may be reminded that vengeance though often personally sought is better placed in the hands of the LORD. Paul the apostle wrote in the book of Romans in chapter twelve and verse nineteen:

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath:

for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.

Though it may appear for a time that people are “getting away with” their evil deeds just as these wicked “rich men” did, the LORD is watching. He knows the way of “repayment”, and we are to relinquish that position to Him. As we ponder this idea, perhaps we know people who have abused us, used us, or taken advantage of us, and everything within us tells us that we should “revenge” our cause, but when these thoughts and emotions arise, let us remember Jesus Christ our Savior and LORD who upon the cross said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” and leave all retribution to the One who knows best how to repay.

Next time the LORD shares more ways the rich men will suffer for their wickedness, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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