Introduction to the prophet Micah
The 33rd book of the Bible, consisting of 7 chapters
A “colleague” of Isaiah—returning to God and His path
The name of the prophet Micah is a short form of Michayah or Michael—both of which
means “Who is like God?”—so one could say Micah means “Who is like Him?”
“Jah” stands for the name of the God of the Bible: YHWH—and “El” or, depending on the dialect, “Al” for the “supreme” deity of the ancient Orient.
Micah comes from Moresheth-Gath, a small village in Judah. He earned his living as a simple farmer, and the message of this sixth of the “minor” prophets was directed primarily at the common people in Jerusalem and Judah.
Much of his message resembles what the prophet Isaiah proclaimed in the name of God—at the same time—at the royal court before the leaders of the southern kingdom of Judah.
Both prophets have the same message from God—repent!—but they must direct this message to different audiences.
Despite the two men’s differing backgrounds, education, and social standing, both books of the prophets serve as models of the art of Hebrew poetry.
A century later, the prophet Jeremiah mentions this prophet Micah of Moresheth (Jer. 26:18), during whose time King Hezekiah and the people humbled themselves—and God was therefore able to spare the southern kingdom of Judah from judgment.
Micah’s call to prophethood begins around the middle of the 8th century B.C., as Amos’s ministry in the Northern Kingdom comes to an end and the prophet Hosea continues to minister there until the destruction of Samaria and the Kingdom of Israel by the Assyrians around 722 B.C.
The prophet delivers three major speeches, all of which begin with the word “Hear.” It is a great call to repentance.
Back to humbleness, mercy, and justice—back to what God desires from us.
Back to the Prince of Peace, the Messiah, who is to come—and under whose reign humanity will beat their swords into plowshares. 🙂
Outline of the Prophet Micah:
Chapters 1–3 – First Speech
Announcements of judgment against Samaria and Jerusalem.
Warnings to the people, the leaders, and the false prophets
Chapters 4–5 – Second Speech
The salvation of Israel, the kingdom of the Messiah after the time of the nations,
the birth of the Anointed One in Bethlehem
Chapters 6–7 – Third Speech
God confronts His people and calls for repentance. Whoever follows Him will experience grace and salvation!
Content of the Book of Micah:
Micah chapter 1
I. The Judgment of the World; God’s Threats Against Samaria (= Israel) and Judah (Chapters 1–3)
Announcement of the Desolation of Samaria and Jerusalem
The Prophet Micah’s Mourning and Lament
Micah chapter 2
Warning to the Wicked of Israel
Israel Refuses to Hear God’s Admonitions
Promise of a Future with God’s Presence for the Remnant of Israel
Micah chapter 3
Warning and Rebuke for the Leaders of the People and Their False Prophets
Micah chapter 4
II. Comforting Promises Regarding Future Salvation (Chapters 4–5)
A Preview of the 1,000-Year Kingdom of Peace Under the Messiah
Micah chapter 5
Prophecy of the Birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem
Micah chapter 6
III. The Path from Deep Corruption to the Salvation of the People (Chapters 6–7)
God’s Lawsuit and the Judgment on His People
Micah chapter 7
Lament over the Moral Decay Among God’s People
For those who follow God—who fear Him—grace and salvation are ready