MICAH

Summary

Target Audience: Judah - Micah prophesied in Judah during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (about 750–700 BCE), at about the same time as Isaiah. It was a time of prosperity, and Micah denounced the wealthy, who were oppressing the poor, and warned of impending judgment. The northern kingdom actually fell during Micah’s ministry, in 722, and Judah almost fell in 701 (2 Kings 18–20). The book contains three sections, which alternate between words of warning and messages of hope. Micah told of a day when there would be peace among all nations, who would then be able to “beat their swords into plowshares” (4:3), and of a royal deliverer who would save God’s people from all her enemies. This deliverer would be born in Bethlehem (5:2).

Context

  • The events described in Micah occur in Israel and Judah before the Assyrian attack and exile in 722 BCE.

    Original Languages

    Hebrew

    Micah

    Genre

    Literature Style

    Pre-Exile Prophet

    do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

    - Micah 6:8

    Keyword

    1. Judgment
    2. Future hope

    MICAH

    Structure

    1. Judgment on Israel and Judah (1:1 – 3:12)
    2. Restoration and peace (4:1 – 5:14)
    3. Message of repentance and judgment (6:1 – 7:20)