Intro to Micah

Micah is a small prophetic book in the Old Testament known for its condemnation of oppression, the prediction of Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah (5:2), and the oft-quoted passage found in 6:8,  “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

We discover some important facts about the author and his setting from the opening verse. As with other prophetic books, it was named for it’s principal prophet, Micah, who was from Moresheth, a small town in southern Judah. He prophesied during the reigns of three kings of Judah – Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (750-687 BC). This means he was active at about the same time as Isaiah, Hosea and Amos and so it is not surprising we see similar themes, especially in Isaiah. We know little about Micah, but he seems to be aware of agricultural life as well as the cities of both Samaria and Jerusalem. He must have been well-known as a prophet since Jeremiah quoted him about 100 years later (Jer 26:18).

The destruction of the northern kingdom (Israel / Samaria) in 722 BC was an important event in Micah’s lifetime. For more on this important time period, read 2 Kings 15-20 and 2 Chronicles 27-32. Micah saw the Assyrians as God’s instrument to bring judgment against Samaria, but those in Judah should not rest secure because the temple was in Jerusalem (3:11-12). God would bring a conqueror against the southern kingdom (1:15) if they did not change their ways.

Micah may be divided into two parts. The first three chapters denounce the sin of the people. The book opens with a court summons so that the Lord may make his case against them (1:2). God will bring judgment against both Samaria and Judah because of their many sins. Idolatry and temple prostitution are rampant (1:5,7) and the poor are defrauded of their land and inheritance (2:1-2). Both temporal and spiritual leaders are responsible. Prophets lull the people into thinking judgment will not come (2:6-11). Rulers, who ought to know justice (3:1), instead “tear the skin from my people” (3:2) because of bribery and corruption. Even the prophets and priests perform for money (3:11). As a result, God will no longer hear the cries of the leaders (3:4) or give visions to the prophets (3:6-7). Rather, He will bring a conqueror (1:15) who will level Jerusalem (3:12).

Chapters 4-7 take on a consoling tone. God has planned a time when He will establish godliness, justice and peace (4:1-5), but it will only come after the people have gone into exile in Babylon (4:6,10). However, a remnant will be saved (4:7) and God will send His own Ruler from Bethlehem (5:1-5). In that day the remnant will triumph over their enemies (5:8-9) and all idolatry will cease (5:10-15). Those who are sensitive enough to pay attention (“Listen...” 6:1,9)  will remember God’s many acts of deliverance and honour Him with by bringing justice to the land (6:8). But because they have not heeded the call, crooked and violent business practices continue, idolatry endures, and therefore they bring judgment upon themselves (6:9-16). Micah himself mourns the state of the land where injustice and corruption mean that not even family members may trust each other (7:1-6), but he continues to trust in the Lord (7:7), knowing that He will once save His people and all nations will turn to the Lord (7:15-17). God can be trusted to pardon sin, have compassion, and be faithful to His people (7:18-20). 

Two prominent themes of the book are justice and redemption. God is just and expects His people to act justly. Micah 6:8 summarizes the fact that actions cannot be separated from worship. Because His people refuse to end their idolatry, corruption, dishonest business, bribery, and violence, He will bring justice upon them. In this there can be no double standard. They cannot demand justice against the other nations without also applying it within their own walls.

And yet, God will redeem His people. He warns them, gives them opportunity to repent, protects a remnant to be saved, raises up One who will usher in the day of the Lord, and restores all things. Micah, whose name means, “Who is like the Lord?” ends on this very note: “Who is a God like you?” (7:18-20). Grace and forgiveness are still possible.

Micah still has lots to say to us today. The book warns us not to separate our religion from our actions. We cannot claim to serve the Lord and ignore His teaching. Rather, our loyalty is demonstrated when we serve Him in everything we do. Those of us who are leaders bear special responsibility to protect the weak, to live above greed, and not to turn a blind eye. Micah 6:8 reverberates through time to remind us that justice, mercy and humility ought to mark our faith and lifestyle.

Rev. Troy Dennis is a pastor and writer. Read his letter on faith and character at www.onfireletter.com

c 2011