As capital cities, Samaria and Jerusalem were centers of business and industry. Also, they were hives of idolatry, deceit, arrogance, and jealousy. In particular, Micah criticized the wealthy for cheating poor people of the land that was their birthright: “When you want a certain piece of land, you find a way to seize it. When you want someone’s house you take it by fraud and violence. No one’s family or inheritance is safe with you around!” (NLT, Micah 2:2)