Micah

Micah

Finding the Context:

The prophet Micah, who was from a remote area called Moresheth, wrote the book of Micah. It was written during the reigns of the Judean kings: Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah (1:1). Micah is mentioned in Jeremiah 26:17-19 as a faithful prophet who was listened to and respected. While prophecies in this book concern Israel and Judah (3:1; 4:10; 5:1), the book itself was written to the people of Judah seeing as the book was compiled after Israel had already gone into exile. The book of Micah was written to show God’s people that they had abandoned Him and to reveal their sins of pride and injustice (2; 6). Injustice is a major theme found in the book of Micah. You see God calling out this sin several times throughout the book (2:9; 6:10-16). You also see a significant contrast between the prophet Micah and the false prophets that are leading the people astray (3). There is a clear distinction given between the two. The purpose of the book reveals God’s desire for His people to do right, love mercy and walk humbly before the Lord (Micah 6:8).

Theme Tracing:

     What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

God is revealed as the Savior in 7:7-10. Despite the fact that His people have sinned, Micah is confident that God will yet save them. You also see that God is a God of justice who desires to punish evil (2:3; 6:9-16). You also see God as a Restorer of His people. Even in His promise to destroy His people, it is done in order to turn them from their sin and restore them to Him (5:10-15; 7:18-20).

     What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

God is revealing bits and pieces of his redemptive plan all through out Israel’s history. You see clear predictions of the coming Messiah found in Micah 4:7 and 5:2. Even when His people are in the midst of their sin against Him, God is promising that He will send them the ultimate solution to their sins, the Messiah.