The Book of Micah is one of the books of the 12 Minor Prophets in the Bible. It records the prophecies given by the prophet Micah, who lived in the 8th century BCE during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. The book consists of 7 chapters and focuses on God’s judgment and punishment of both Israel and Judah for their sins, as well as the eventual restoration and hope for the future.
Overview
The Book of Micah can be divided into 3 major sections:
- Judgment against Israel and Judah (Micah 1-3)
- The future restoration of Israel (Micah 4-5)
- God’s punishment and salvation (Micah 6-7)
In the first section, Micah pronounces God’s judgment on both Israel and Judah for their sins and rebellion against God. Samaria and Jerusalem are singled out as objects of God’s wrath because of the injustice and idolatry prevailing in those cities. However, the leaders and false prophets are held responsible for misleading the people and abusing their power and authority.
The second section contains prophecies of hope and restoration for Israel. Micah foretells the establishment of God’s kingdom on Mount Zion in the last days when people from many nations will stream to it. The most well-known prophecy in Micah is in chapter 5 verse 2 which predicts that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem. This was fulfilled with the birth of Jesus Christ.
The third section again reminds Israel and Judah of God’s impending judgment due to their sins, injustice, corruption and failure to live righteously. However, God’s wrath gives way to mercy as He promises to show compassion and restore a remnant of Israel for the fulfillment of His covenant. The book ends with a beautiful psalm in chapter 7 acknowledging God’s goodness, faithfulness and willingness to pardon sin.
Authorship and Date
The Book of Micah clearly identifies the author as Micah who came from the town of Moresheth in Judah (Micah 1:1). Micah was a contemporary of the prophets Isaiah, Amos and Hosea and his ministry occurred around the same time as theirs in the 8th century BCE. The frequent mention of the kings of Judah in Micah 1:1 gives an indication of the period when he prophesied.
Most scholars believe the entirety of the book originated from Micah himself around 735-700 BCE. However, some academics think chapters 4-7 might contain material added by later editors after Micah’s time. Regardless, the Book of Micah as a whole is considered authentic and accurately represents his prophecies that were delivered before and during the Assyrian crisis that eventually led to the fall of Samaria in 722 BCE.
Historical Background
Micah ministered during the reigns of three kings in Judah – Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. It was a turbulent time as the rising Assyrian Empire threatened Israel and Judah, eventually conquering and destroying Israel/Samaria in 722 BCE. Ahaz foolishly appealed for help against the Assyrians from the king of Aram instead of trusting God. Later, Hezekiah relied on Egypt against the Assyrian king Sennacherib who invaded Judah around 701 BCE.
Both Israel and Judah at this time had abandoned God’s laws and indulged in idolatry and social injustice. The rich oppressed the poor, bribery and corruption were rampant. Micah addressed these social evils as well as idolatry and empty ritualism that had replaced true worship of God. His message called the people to repent and avoid God’s impending judgment.
Purpose and Themes
Micah’s purpose was to declare God’s judgment on Israel and Judah because of their sins and unfaithfulness to God. However, judgment gave way to hope as he prophesied about the future restoration of a remnant of Israel and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom. Key themes in the Book of Micah include:
- God’s impending judgment on Israel and Judah for their sins
- A condemnation of corrupt leadership and social injustice
- A denunciation of religious ritualism devoid of true repentance
- The prediction about the fall of Samaria and Jerusalem
- A future hope and promise of restoration for a remnant of Israel
- The prophecy about the Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem
- God’s mercy, faithfulness and willingness to forgive and restore
Outline
A basic outline of the Book of Micah:
- Judgment against Israel and Judah (Chapters 1-3)
- God’s judgment on Samaria and Jerusalem (1:1-16)
- The indictment of corrupt leaders (2:1-13)
- A condemnation of civil and religious authorities (3:1-12)
- The future restoration of Israel (Chapters 4-5)
- The establishment of God’s kingdom (4:1-5)
- The restoration and triumph of Israel (4:6-13)
- The coming of the Messiah in Bethlehem (5:1-15)
- God’s punishment and salvation (Chapters 6-7)
- God’s indictment against Israel (6:1-16)
- A lament over the spiritual decay of the nation (7:1-7)
- Hope and trust in God’s salvation (7:8-20)
Key Verses
Some important verses in Micah:
- “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).
- “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” (Micah 5:2).
- “Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love.” (Micah 7:18).
Content Summary
1. Judgment against Israel and Judah (Chapters 1-3)
Chapter 1 begins with Micah proclaiming God’s judgment against Samaria and Jerusalem because of the sins of idolatry and injustice prevailing in the land. Samaria is doomed to destruction because of her rebellion against God. Micah laments this calamity and pronounces woes upon the cities of Judah for following the evil ways of the northern kingdom of Israel. God’s punishment will come even to the gates of Jerusalem because of the wickedness of her rulers and prophets.
Chapter 2 condemns Israel’s corrupt leaders who plot wickedness on their beds at night and carry it out the next day. By seizing fields and houses, they rob the common people of their inheritance. But God is against such greed and oppression of the poor. False prophets also mislead God’s people by preaching that no harm will come upon them. Yet God will surely gather and restore a remnant of Israel in the future.
Chapter 3 continues the denunciation of Israel’s leaders – the civil authorities like rulers and judges as well as the religious ones like prophets and priests. Instead of dispensing justice, the rulers judge for bribe and the prophets practice divination for money. By abusing their authority and misleading the people, these leaders incur God’s judgment. For Jerusalem and Zion will be plowed as a field because of their sins. Only after their punishment will God restore His people.
2. The future restoration of Israel (Chapters 4-5)
Chapter 4 contains hopeful prophecies about the future establishment of God’s kingdom on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. All nations will come to Jerusalem to learn of God’s ways. The Lord will reign in perfect justice and peace. God will restore and gather the exiles of Israel from captivity as a strong nation once again. They shall defeat their enemies and enjoy peace and security.
Chapter 5 has the famous Bethlehem prophecy about the coming Messiah who will rule over Israel. Though God will punish His people at the hands of the Assyrians, He will raise a ruler from Bethlehem in Judah who will bring peace. God will purify Israel so that only a remnant who trust in Him will remain to serve Him forever. The prophet warns of God’s judgment against those still clinging to their sins.
3. God’s punishment and salvation (Chapters 6-7)
Chapter 6 begins with God putting Israel on trial for being ungrateful to Him after all He had done for them. Israel asks how they can please God now. Micah responds that God requires them to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly before Him – not merely offer empty sacrifices. God punishes Israel’s dishonest business practices and violence which has caused her sickness as a nation.
In chapter 7, Micah laments that godly and upright people have vanished from the land. Widespread corruption has taken root as people try to injure and deceive each other. In this time of crisis, Micah chooses to hope in God for salvation. He assures Israel of God’s forgiveness and compassion. Once God punishes them for their sins, He will show mercy and restore them because of His unchanging faithfulness.
Key People and Places
Important figures and locations in Micah:
- Micah – The prophet of Judah who authored this book. He came from Moresheth and prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah.
- Samaria – The capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel which Micah prophesies will be overthrown for her sins.
- Jerusalem – The capital of Judah against which Micah pronounces God’s judgment.
- Zion – Another name for Jerusalem which will be restored as the location of God’s eternal kingdom.
- Bethlehem – Small town in Judah prophesied to be the birthplace of the coming Messiah.
- Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah – The sequence of kings in Judah during Micah’s ministry.
- Assyria – The rising Mesopotamian empire that conquered Israel and invaded Judah.
Lessons and Applications
Key lessons we can learn from the Book of Micah:
- God judges sin, corruption and social injustice. Leaders who abuse their power face God’s wrath.
- Religious hypocrisy and empty ritualism also provoke God’s judgment.
- God punishes His people to bring repentance and righteousness.
- Despite punishment, God promises future hope and restoration for a faithful remnant.
- We are to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly before God.
- God is faithful to keep His covenant promises of salvation.
We must avoid hypocrisy and ritualism and instead walk justly and humbly before God. Though God punishes sin, He is also merciful and compassionate to those who repent. As we wait for the fulfillment of His promises, we must live righteously in the light of Christ’s return and God’s eternal kingdom.