Matthew Poole and continuators on Micah 7:3

3 ¶ That they may do evil with both hands earnestly , the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward : and the great man he uttereth his mischievous desire : so they wrap it up.

As we render the words, their plain sense will be, that all their diligence, that with both hands they can use, is to set forward evil and mischief. Possibly the first clause might bear this Reading, Both hands are towards evil; and then the following clause thus, To do good the Prince asketh.

The chief Ruler who Commissioneth the Judge, and should awe him from perverse Judging, who should charge the Judges as Iehoshaphat did, 2 Chron. 19.5, 6. but contrarily here the Prince set a price upon his own Act in evil.

The inferiour Magistrate Commissioned to be Judge.

Shameless injustice! to sell the Innocent, and condemn their cause and persons, and to acquit the guilty, and pronounce them just; for a bribe to make Gods Authority which is in them, to act so directly against it self, is abominably wicked, for Gods Authority to them is given, that they might relieve the poor oppressed, and acquit innocency, but here innocency must buy its safety, or else is sold to danger.

Either the Advocates in their Courts of Judicature, or the great men of interest at Court, who can do what he will there.

Is bold to speak plainly what bribe he will have, he makes his own demand, whereas they did (whilest a little modest) treat by others; and a servant or under-officer must make the bargain.

His unjust, oppressive design and purpose, knowing that his greatness and interest will bear him out in whatever violence he attempts against poor, weak and unbefriended innocence; he dares for gain set any thing forward.

All three, Prince, Judge and great man.

Or twist it together, consent each to other, and jointly promote violence and bl[illegible: 1 letter]ody cruelty.

Marginal references: Hos. [illegible: 1 span] Isa. 1.[illegible: 2 letters] chap. 3.[illegible: 1 letter].; Hos. [illegible: 1 span] Isa. 1.[illegible: 2 letters] chap. 3.[illegible: 1 letter].; Heb. [illegible: 1 span]