Micah

Author: Micah

Time: c.735-700 B.C.

Title: The English, Hebrew, Greek and Latin versions all name this book after Micah, the prophet whose ministry is recorded in the book. The name Micah (Hebrew Michah) means “Who is like the LORD?”

Summary: Micah, who was contemporary with Isaiah, was to the southern Kingdom of Judah what Amos was previously to the northern Kingdom of Israel. Both were fierce critics of the rich and powerful who exploited the poor. Though Micah’s prophecies refer especially to Judah, they concerned all of Israel. Micah’s leading ideas are the regeneration of Israel’s remnant through judgment, the establishment of the Kingdom of God in the line of David and the conversion of the nations through that Kingdom. The conclusion of his prophecy is a triumphant expression of faith, which is seen in its true quality against the background of the materialism and the corruption of the reign of Ahaz.

Breakdown:

Superscription: Chapter 1:1

Coming judgment on Israel, Judah for persistent sin: Chapter 1:2-16

  • The call to attention: 1:2
  • Terrible coming of God announced and described: 1:3-4
  • Sins of the capital city representative of those of the nation: 1:5
  • Fearful consequences of this judgment: 1:6-7
  • The prophet’s reaction and his vision of this judgment: 1:8-16

Doom of corrupt oppressors and false prophets: Chapter 2:1 – 3:12

  • Woe upon the land monopolizers: 2:1-5
  • False preaching of lying prophets: 2:6-13
  • Denunciation of the leaders of the people: 3:1-7
  • Micah’s consciousness of power from the Spirit of God: 3:8
  • Gross sin and crime bring destruction upon Jerusalem: 3:9-12

Vision of hope from the coming one: Chapter 4:1 – 5:15

  • Final triumph of Jerusalem: 4:1 – 5:1
  • Coming mighty leader to be born in Bethlehem and to restore the
  • remnant of Jacob: 5:2-15

The Lord’s case against Israel: Chapter 6:1 – 7:20

  • First complaint of God: 6:1-5
  • Israel’s first reply: 6:6-8
  • Second complaint of God: 6:9-16
  • Israel’s second reply–a confession of sin: 7:1-10
  • Israel’s promised blessing to follow judgment: 7:11-13
  • Final plea for Israel–gathered from many nations: 7:14-17
  • Doxology–the triumph of grace: 7:18-20