Micah

Micah was written by the prophet Micah to the people of Israel and Judah around 742 and 687 BC during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Micah prophesies God’s judgment on both Israel and Judah for their idolatry, injustice, and exploitation of the poor. He warns that Samaria and Jerusalem will be destroyed if they do not repent. Micah foretells the coming exile but offers hope with a promise of restoration and peace through a future king from Bethlehem, pointing to the Messiah. Despite impending judgment, God’s covenant will endure, and His people will ultimately be redeemed.

Judgment Against Samaria And Jerusalem - Chapter 1

Micah receives a vision from the LORD concerning the sins of Samaria and Jerusalem during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. God announces judgment against the people for their transgressions and idolatry. The LORD comes down from His holy place and causes the earth to tremble. For their sins, Samaria will be reduced to ruins, and their idols and treasures will be destroyed.

Weeping And Mourning

Micah mourns over the impending judgment of Samaria and Jerusalem. He describes his grief through vivid imagery, comparing his cries to howling animals and symbolizing the shame and devastation by going barefoot and naked. The sin of Samaria has spread like a plague to Judah and Jerusalem. Micah calls out various towns, each facing its own disaster and shame as judgment approaches. He points to Lachish as the origin of Judah's sin. The people are urged to mourn, for exile is certain, and their children will be taken away.

Human Plans And God's Plans - Chapter 2

Micah condemns those who create evil schemes and exploit the powerless. These individuals are filled with greed, covet, seize fields and houses, and defraud others of their rightful inheritance. The LORD declares judgment against them that they cannot escape. Their pride will be brought low, and they will be ridiculed by others. There will be devastation as their land and possessions are taken and divided among traitors. Ultimately, they will have no place in the LORD’s assembly to inherit the land.

False Prophets

Micah false prophets who tell the people what they want to hear rather than the truth. These prophets claim that no disgrace or judgment will come upon the people and leads them into complacency. Micah describes God's words as good to those who are upright, but not to those who exploit others. He condemns those who rob the innocent, drive women from their homes, and take blessings away from children. Micah warns that this defiled land offers no rest, and that deceitful prophets who promise indulgence are leading them astray.

Deliverance Promised

Micah promises deliverance for the remnant of Israel. God declares that He will gather His people and restore them. The LORD will go before them as their King, breaking open the way for them to follow. This imagery of God as both shepherd and king highlight His leadership and protection. He will lead His people through difficulties, breaking down barriers and guiding them into safety and restoration.

Leaders And Prophets Rebuked - Chapter 3

Micah rebukes the corrupt leaders and prophets of Israel for their injustices and exploitation of the people. He accuses the leaders of loving evil, and in despite of this, they expect God’s protection. Micah condemns the prophets for leading the people astray. The false prophets talk of peace when they are paid but threaten war when they are not. Due to their falsehoods, God will withhold visions from them, leaving them in darkness. In contrast, Micah stands filled with the Spirit, proclaiming judgment on the nation. Because of their sins, Jerusalem and Zion will face destruction and ruin.

The Mountain Of The LORD - Chapter 4

Micah prophesies a future where the LORD's temple will be exalted and bring people from many nations. These people will seek to learn God's ways. God's law will go out from Zion, He will judge, wars will cease, and nations will no longer fight against each other. Instead, people will live in peace and security, free from fear. While other nations may follow their gods, God's people will walk in His name forever.

The LORD's Plan

God promises restoration for Israel. He will gather those who suffered and make them a strong nation ruled by the LORD from Mount Zion. The former glory of Jerusalem will be restored. Though Israel currently suffers, faces exile, and taunting from surrounding nations, God's plan is greater. He will redeem His people from Babylon and use them to defeat their enemies. Zion will rise and conquer, devoting the wealth of the nations to the LORD, fulfilling His ultimate plan of victory and restoration.

A Promised Ruler From Bethlehem - Chapter 5

Micah prophesies a future Messiah born from Bethlehem, a small town in Judah. Bethlehem will produce a ruler with ancient origins who will shepherd Israel with the strength of the LORD. Israel will experience abandonment until the birth of this ruler, who will bring peace and security by defeating enemies like the Assyrians. God promises to purify Israel by destroying idols, witchcraft, and strongholds, and bringing vengeance upon the disobedient nations.

The LORD's Case Against Israel - Chapter 6

God brings a case against Israel. He asks His people how He has wronged them, reminding them of His past deliverance and guidance, including the exodus from Egypt and the leadership of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. God questions the people's understanding of worship, emphasizing that He does not desire extravagant sacrifices but rather a life of justice, mercy, and humility. The LORD's expects true devotion that is demonstrated through righteous living, kindness, and a humble relationship with God.

Israel's Guilt And Punishment

God calls out Israel for its deceitful and corrupt practices. The people are guilty of using dishonest measures, violence, and lies. The LORD declares that because of their sins, their efforts will be in vain. They will experience hunger despite eating, their stored wealth will be lost to destruction, and their labor will produce no results. By following sinful ways, Israel has brought upon itself God's judgment. The nation will face ruin and scorn from others.

Israel's Misery - Chapter 7

Micah laments the moral decay in Israel. Faithful people have vanished, and evil reigns. Leaders and judges are corrupt, demanding bribes, and the powerful enforce their desires. Trust is lost, even among friends and family. Relationships are fractured, with households turning against one another. However, Micah holds onto hope, watching and waiting for God’s deliverance.

Israel Will Rise

Micah expresses confidence that Israel will rise again through God's mercy. God will bring justice, leading the enemy to shame. The restoration will extend beyond Israel’s borders, as exiles return from distant lands, but God will still send judgment to the wicked.

Prayer And Praise

Micah prays for God to shepherd His people as He did in the days of old, guiding them to fertile lands and renewing His wonders as in the Exodus. The nations that once opposed Israel will be humbled and powerless before God. Micah praises God’s mercy and compassion. He exalts God as one who pardons sin, forgives transgression, and does not stay angry. God delights in showing mercy and promises to cast away the sins of His people, remaining faithful to His covenant with Jacob and Abraham.