1 Chronicles 4:24-5:26; Ezekiel 7:1-27; John 1:19-51
So the seers shall be ashamed, And the diviners abashed; indeed they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer from God. Micah 3:7 NKJV
Covering the lip was a manifestation of uncleanness, like leprosy (Lev. 13:45). It indicated speechlessness because of God’s holiness (Job 40:4). In Micah’s time, false prophets did it because they had no answer for God’s threatened wrath and it revealed their impurity from trafficking with unclean spirits. Upon seeing God’s holiness, Isaiah covered his lips in recognition of his sinfulness (Isa. 6:5). Humility before God produces cleansing (Isa. 6:7). “With the mouth
confession is made unto salvation” (Rom. 10:10). —Keith R. Keyser
While Thy glorious praise is sung,
Touch my lips, unloose my tongue. —James Montgomery