Micah

Micah

Historical Background and Purpose

Micah 1:1 states, "The LORD gave this message to Micah of Moresheth during the years when Jotham, Azah, and Hezekiah were kings of Judah.  The visions he saw concerned both Samaria and Jerusalem."  According to the introduction to the book of Micah in the Sourceview Bible, Micah predicted the following pivotal events in Israel's history: the fall of Israel in 722 BC, the seige (and deliverance) of Jerusalem in 701 BC, the fall of Jerusalem in 605/597/586 BC, the initial restoration of the exiles back to Jerusalem in 536/516 BC, and the ultimate restoration of God's purposes through the coming Messiah.  Micah's messages alternate between one of judgment and destruction and one of mercy and restoration.  He warned people that God will judge them and punish them for their sins (e.g. idolatry and immorality); however, Micah also gave them hope by reminding them of who God is - a God of mercy and unfailing love.

Character and Nature of God

God hates sin (such as idolatry); therefore, God punishes those who commit sin (such as idolatry).  In the book of Micah, God blames Samaria for Israel's rebellion and Jerusalem for Judah's idolatry (see Micah 1:5); therefore, God judges and punishes these people for their sins.  Afterward, God demonstrates His mercy and His desire to restore His people.  Micah 2:12-13 states, "Someday, O Israel, I [the LORD] will gather you; I will gather the remant who are left . . . Your leader will break out and lead you out of exile, out through the gates of the enemy cities, back to your own land.  Your king will lead you; the LORD himself will guide you."  God hates sin (such as idolatry and immorality) and He punishes those who commit sin.  However, God does not desire to stay angry with his people forever; He delights in showing his unfailing love (see Micah 7:18).  Further, God is good and He tells His people what is good.  This is what God requires of His people, "to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God" (see Micah 6:8). 

God's Redemptive Plan for Mankind

Micah 5:2 states, "But you , O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past."  This prophecy predicts that the Messiah will be born in the city of Bethlehem.  Micah 7:7 states, "As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me."  The prophet Micah looked to God to save him and he encouraged his listeners (or readers) to do the same.  He recognized that God and God alone is the One who saves.  God is our Savior!