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Author |
Micah |
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Date |
Between 735 and 698 BC |
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Time Span |
About 25 years |
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Title |
From the book's author: Micah. This name means “who is like Jehovah.” |
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Background |
Micah is a prophet of the common people (rugged, direct, and convincing) from the prominent Judean city of Moresheth, about 25 miles southwest of Jerusalem. Micah's ministry spans the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. These are turbulent times of great oppression, corruption, and exploitation. Israel and Judah are deep in sin, despite their wealth, and Micah's message of imminent Judgment upon them is neither pleasant nor popular. |
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Where |
Judah |
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To Whom |
To both Israel and Judah |
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Content |
Micah's message is directed against the sins of the people in Jerusalem and Samaria, the capitals of Judah and Israel. The corrupt rulers, false prophets, ungodly priests, and cheating merchants are the main reasons for God's judgment coming against the nations. But in the midst of their destruction, Micah prophesies the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem (700 years before Jesus Christ is born). This once insignificant village now gains eternal prominence. God also reveals through Micah these promises: a remnant will remain; He will gather His own from all the ends of the earth; and Zion will be restored. |
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Themes |
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Key |
“Justice”; “Mercy”; “Humility.” Micah's repeated and emphatic cry is for the people of God to show “justice” in all their dealings, to love “mercy” by showing the same to others, and to walk in “humility” before the Lord. |
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Outline |
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