MICAH

The prophet Micah warns the nations of Israel and Judah that their disobedience will soon lead to their exile. The rulers of Israel are leading the people astray, encouraging bribery and oppression of the poor. God plans to destroy Samaria and Jerusalem, bringing the cities to rubble.

Even in His anger and destruction, God shows compassion and mercy to those who have remained faithful. God cares for the remaining faithful Israelites, referred to as the remnant, and promises to restore them and fulfill His word to Abraham. Even in Israel’s rebellion, God’s plans and purposes cannot be thwarted.

Micah brings a message to the Israelites that God is not interested in their false religion or meaningless sacrifices. Instead, God has always desired for His people to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly.

    • God’s judgment on injustice 

    • God’s promise not to abandon His people

    • Covenant renewal 

    • Micah 

    • The kings of Judah during his time: Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah

    • Author: Micah  

    • Date: 735 and 700 BCE

    • Intended Audience: The people of the Southern Kingdom of Judah 


MICAH 1

FUTURE DESTRUCTION AWAITS 

Micah addresses the entire nation of Israel and warns them that God will bring His judgment against the capital cities, Samaria and Jerusalem.

Because of Israel’s sin and rebellion, Samaria will become a heap of rubble. God will come down from His dwelling place to destroy all the idols and high places that even the most righteous kings failed to remove. This destruction will leave the faithless people of Israel weeping and mourning.

MICAH 2

WARNING AGAINST WICKEDNESS

Micah warns against those who devise evil schemes and oppress the poor. Greed and wickedness have taken over Israel and God will no longer tolerate the sin of His people. Many opposed Micah with false confidence in God, stating that God would never run out of patience or grace for the Israelites. Although the Israelites take pride in being God’s people, they do not follow His law or worship Him alone.

God’s grace and patience is shown towards the faithful remnant of Israelites who worship God alone and follow His commands. God provides for those who draw near to Him, but Israel is unaware of their own inequity. God’s response to both the faithful and the rebellious show how He can be both just and merciful in unison.

MICAH 3

MICAH ADDRESSES ISRAEL’S LEADERS + FALSE PROPHETS 

Micah shifts from addressing the entire nation to addressing the leaders and false prophets of Israel. Micah confronts the leaders for accepting bribes and failing to enact justice. Because of their greed and evildoing, God will no longer answer the cries of Israel.

Micah proclaims that he is filled with God’s spirit, which gives him justice, might, and power to proclaim the news of Israel's demise. God will cause disaster upon Jerusalem and the temple leaving it dilapidated like a pile of rubble.

Micah 3:8 - But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.

MICAH 4

GOD’S ULTIMATE PLANS OF RESTORATION

God plans to ultimately restore the temple as a place where people draw near to God. When God’s final reign is established, there will be peace between the nations.

God will rescue a remnant of the faithful and afflicted. As well as restoring the temple, God will restore and redeem His people.

MICAH 5

MICAH FORTELLS A FUTURE RULER FROM BETHLEHEM 

Micah prophecies that the future ruler or savior will be born in the small town of Bethlehem. This future king will shepherd His people in the strength of the Lord and bring peace to the ends of the earth. Hundreds of years later, Jesus will be born in a manger in the city of Bethlehem, fulfilling this prophecy (see Matthew 2:1).

Micah continues to tell of God’s plans to destroy all idolatry and sorcery in Israel while saving the faithful remnant.

Micah 5:2 - But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

MICAH 6

DO JUSTICE, LOVE KINDNESS, AND WALK HUMBLY 

God reminds the Israelites of the many times He has saved them. Although God’s response to Israel appears harsh, God has repeatedly responded with mercy and salvation despite their sinfulness.

Instead of false religiosity and meaningless sacrifices, God requires His people to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly. The entire message of Micah is summarized in verse 6:8 as he reminds the Israelites of what God has desired for them all along.

Because many of the wealthy rulers of Israel have put their trust in riches instead of God, they will never be fully satisfied. Only God can bring the fullness of joy they are striving for!

Micah 6:8 - He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

MICAH 7

GOD’S STEADFAST LOVE AND COMPASSION 

Micah shares the point of view of a deeply troubled and distressed man. This man, possibly Micah himself, feels alone, comparing even the most righteous around him to thorns. Micah describes the loneliness and despair that comes from seeking God in a corrupt nation.

Micah, along with the remnant, looks for the Lord and waits for salvation while those around them continue to live in selfishness and misconduct. Although God will deal with the wickedness in Israel, He will be faithful to the remnant and pardon them.

God delights in steadfast love and shows compassion to those in relationship with Him. The remnant of Israel allows Him to be faithful to His promises to bless humanity through Abraham.