Definition: The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, [Is] not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Micah 3:11. It’s a really important message about faith and trust in God. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that even though people might be involved in religious activities – priests, prophets, and even judges – they are ultimately relying on God to guide them and protect them. They’re not completely independent; they’re dependent on God. Let's break it down word by word: “Micah 3:11 The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire…” – This part describes different roles in religious life. "The heads" refers to the leaders of the religious community (like priests). "Judge for reward" means they’re meant to make decisions and be rewarded for their actions. “Teach for hire” means they're paid to teach or guide others. “…and the prophets thereof divine for money…” – This is similar, but it emphasizes that prophets are also valued because of their divine message. They're given a position of importance through their religious calling. “Yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, [Is] not the LORD among us?” - This is the core of the verse. It’s asking a crucial question: “Are we truly trusting in God, or are we relying on ourselves? Are we leaning on Him to protect and guide us?” “none evil can come upon us.” – This means that because God is with us, we are protected from harm and trouble. We don’t have to fear anything bad happening to us. So, What's the Big Takeaway? The verse essentially says that faith in God is a powerful thing . It’s not just about being religious; it’s about trusting in God and knowing that He will protect us even when things are difficult. It emphasizes that we shouldn’t be overly concerned with our own security or success, because God is firmly in control. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a call to persevere in faith, even when things seem bleak or uncertain. It encourages us to look for God's guidance and protection, knowing that He is always present. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Talk about what this verse means in a specific context (like its original audience)? Give you a metaphor or analogy related to this concept?