The generation of Americans at the time of the end of the US War of Independence took a wise decision in framing conventions, treaties and ordinances to guide the allotment of land to the states. According to historians, the newly formed nation comprising 13 states would have been plunged into a more devastating conflict had there not been a strict adherence and enforcement of those laws.

Now far back in history, the children of Israel in the days of Prophet Micah failed to follow God's precepts on land inheritance. The Lord knew the destructive consequences of dispute over land, so He had divided portions of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. His perfect plan would not make room for any encroachment as no tribe or family was without inheritance. Even the daughters of Zelophehad who were first denied land possession because their father had no male child had the decision reversed by God.

However, several centuries later, Israel set aside God's laws on land possession. A rich and powerful class emerged that applied force to seize the property of the poor. These people had no other business than to plot evil from dawn to dusk.

God would not stand indifferent. So in verse 3, He pronounced woe upon the perpetrators of evil, oppression and land-grabbers. Man cannot get away with disobedience to God. There may be a deceptive lull blinding the perpetrator from perceiving the looming danger. Yet, unless the sinner repents, he cannot escape the full weight of the sentence and eternal perdition. God is always waiting for that crucial moment of godly sorrow on the part of the wicked. It is not an endless wait, though. One day the door of mercy shall be shut and the Lord shall say to the tardy and the negligent: "...I know you not whence ye are; depart from me..." (Luke 13:27).