The Pulpit Commentary — Micah — Section 43

Ver. 11.-The ministry viewed in relation to" hire." The Jewish priests and prophets were the teachers of the people in matters of religion and morals. 'l'hey exercised" the teaching faculty;" and this must form a prominent feature in those who devote them- eel ves to tbe work of the ministry in every age (1 Tim. iii. 2 ; Col. i. 28; 2 Tim. ii. 15 ; 2 Cor. iv. 2). The power of the pulpit-:in tbese modern times depends very largely upon the maintenance of its teaching efficiency. The men the Church requires as its ministers are such as will come forth week by week not to utter a number of weary :platitudes, but to enforce living truths, and to present these in forms fresh and new. Note- I. SuCH "LABOUBEBB" ARE "WORTHY OF THEIR HIRE." The support of the Jewish priesthood was arranged under the Law (Deut. xviii. 2); the prophets also received temporal gifts in recognition of their services (1 Sam. ix. 7, 8). In the New 'l'estament this principle of pecuniary acknowledgment being made for spiritual service is distinctly enunciated (Luke x. 7; 1 Cor. ix. 7, 14). !I. To RENDER TillS SERVICE FOR THE SAKE OF THE "HIRE " IS SELF-DEGRADING, AND xs AN OFFENCE TO GOD AND THE GOOD. 1. It leads to mere oifici,a,lism. 2. It results in the perversion of truth, the character of the message being made to depend upon the nature of the bribe and the desire to gratify those who offer it. 3. It gives rise to sheer hypocrisy. "Yet will they" (i.e. hypocritically)" lean upon the Lord and say, Is not the Lord among us?" (ver. 11). 4. It awakens vain self-confidence. "None evil can come upon ns" (ver. 11). 5. It incu,rs fearful responsibility. "The blood of souls" will be required of such. The ruin of Zion and Jerusalem was here fastened upon such. "Therefore shall Zion for yQ'l/,r sake," etc. (ver. 12). How honourable is the work of the faithful minister of truth I How essential it is that they who engage in it should experience the Divine call, and should guard well their hearts eo that they may be true to themselves and may render acceptable service to others I Whatever their" hire" here may be, how glorious is the reward awaiting all who are found true in this calling; for" when the chief Shepherd appears they shall receive the crown of life" (1 Pet. v. 4). Ver. 12.-The desolating effects of Bin. The Book of Micah may popularly be con- sidered as consisting of three sections-the first setting forth national guilt and corrup- tion (eh. i.-iii.); the second (eh. iv. v.) as presenting glimpses of a brighter and better age; and the third (eh. vi. vii.) as unfolding the nature and importance of sincere and practical religion, and the Divine mercy tc all who thus turn to God and eerve him with all their hearts. The verse before us closes the fir~t part of the prophecy, and presents to us the culmination of a course of impiety and iniquity. We l,ave dei;cribed here that "death" which "sin when it ie finished" ever "bringeth f0rth" (Jae. i. 15). Notice-  llH. m. 1-12.] THE BOOK OF MICAH.