Corruption is a widespread problem across the world, prompting many nations to set up anti-corruption commissions. In the eighth century BC, Micah stood as God’s appointed voice against corruption—boldly exposing injustice and holding leaders to account.

Micah’s first target is the leaders of ancient Israel (Micah 3:1–4). These were likely family heads and community elders, entrusted with God-given authority to administer justice. They were supposed to “embrace justice” (v. 1)—to act with fairness and integrity. Instead, they turned that calling on its head, to “hate good and love evil” (v. 2).

The imagery Micah uses is shocking and grotesque. By describing the leaders as cannibals who “eat my people’s flesh” and “chop them up like meat for the pan” (v. 3), Micah emphasises the brutality of their exploitation. Rather than caring for the people as fellow human beings, these leaders treat them like animals and resources.

Today, human exploitation still exists. In many cities, migrant workers are underpaid, subjected to harsh conditions, and crammed into overcrowded dormitories. Modern-day slavery, including human trafficking, forced labour, prostitution, and child marriage, continues to be prevalent in every part of the world. While the forms of exploitation differ from Micah’s time, the same tragic disregard for human dignity, fairness, and justice persists.

But God loves good and hates evil. His response to injustice is clear: He will not tolerate the abuse of power (v. 4). When the evildoers cry out to Him, He will ignore them. This is poetic justice: those who ignore the cries of the oppressed will find themselves ignored by God. God will “hide his face” from them—He will withhold his blessing (see the Aaronic blessing in Numbers 6:24–26). For them, there will be no grace, no peace. This is the ultimate, most devastating snub—to be completely ignored by God.