Peace & Blessings Beloved,
TGBTG for allowing us to see another day. I pray all is well with you and yours, and that your week has been fruitful & blessed thus far.
Today we are going to visit our Getting to Know the Bible Series. In this series, our goal is to come to a comprehensive understanding of each book of the bible. At this point of the series we're going to focus on Micah. But before we get to Micah 1, I want to ensure we have a baseline understanding of the book of Micah. This way we can have a full appreciation for the exquisiteness of the entire book, as well as each individual chapter.
And so, in that spirit, see below for a comprehensive overview of the book of Micah, as we prepare to behold and discern Micah, beginning with Micah 1 in our next installment of this series.
Book Type: The sixth book of the Minor Prophets; the thirty-third book of the Old Testament
Author: Micah
Date of Writing: ~ Between 735 and 700 BC.
Audience: The people of Israel and Judah.
Theme: Divine judgment and restoration.
Original Language: Hebrew
Genre: Prophecy
Purpose of Writing: The book of Micah depicts both judgment and restoration, both of which are intimately connected. The judgment outlined in this book culminates in the destruction of Samaria and Jerusalem. But that destruction isn't the end of the story, as God transformation and exaltation in mind, as He assures Israel's deliverance against her enemies.
Summary: The prophet condemns the rulers, priests, and prophets of Israel who exploit and mislead the people. It is because of their deeds that Jerusalem will be destroyed. The prophet Micah proclaims the deliverance of the people who will go from Jerusalem to Babylon and concludes with an exhortation for Jerusalem to destroy the nations who have gathered against her. The ideal ruler would come from Bethlehem to defend the nation, and the prophet proclaims the triumph of the remnant of Jacob and foresees a day when Yahweh will purge the nation of idolatry and reliance on military might. The prophet sets forth a powerful and concise summary of Yahweh's requirement for justice and loyalty and announces judgment upon those who have followed the ways of Omri and Ahab. The book closes with a prophetic liturgy comprising elements of a lament. Israel confesses its sin and is assured of deliverance through Yahweh's mighty acts.
Overview:
Micah consists of seven chapters that can be organized in three major sections.
The first section (Micah 1—2) focuses on God's judgment on Samaria, Judah, and false prophets. He first speaks of Samaria and Judah's judgment (Micah 1:2–16), followed by additional judgment concerning those who oppressed them (Micah 2:1–5). In Micah 2:6–11 the focus shifts to condemning the false teachers of Micah's time, who were leading people astray. The final two verses of this section (Micah 2:12–13) briefly note future deliverance.
The second section (Micah 3—5) judges the leaders of the people and notes God's future deliverance as the ultimate leader. The current leaders will be found guilty of various sins against the Lord. Rather than relying on them, God will personally one day come to rescue and redeem His people (Micah 4:1—5:15).
The third section speaks of God's ultimate deliverance (Micah 6—7). What begins as a message of gloom and lament (Micah 6:1—7:6) transitions to a celebration of future victory. Micah notes, "But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me" (Micah 7:7).
The final three verses end on a note of confidence. They emphasize God's forgiveness, steadfast love, compassion, and faithfulness to His people (Micah 7:18–20).
Foreshadowing: Micah 5:2 is a Messianic prophecy quoted when the magi were searching for the king born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:6). These kings from the East were told that from the tiny village of Bethlehem would come forth the Prince of Peace, the Light of the world. Micah’s message of sin, repentance, and restoration finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ who is the propitiation for our sins (Romans 3:24-25) and the only way to God (John 14:6).
Application: God gives warnings so we will not have to suffer His wrath. Judgment is certain if God's warnings are not heeded and His provision for sin in the sacrifice of His Son is rejected.
Much of Micah’s indictment against Israel and Judah involves these nations’ injustice toward the lowly—unjust business dealings, robbery, mistreatment of women and children, and a government that lived in luxury off the hard work of its nation’s people.
Key Verses (ESV):
Micah 1:2, "Hear, O peoples, all of you, listen, O earth and all who are in it, that the Sovereign LORD may witness against you, the Lord from His holy temple."
Micah 5:2, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
Micah 6:8, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Micah 7:18-19, "Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea."
*Note: Micah wrote to Jewish people in Judea during the reigns of three kings: Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. The prosperity that existed under Judah's previous kings was declining, with idol worship on the rise. Many Samaritans had migrated to Judah following the destruction of Samaria, bringing their system of false worship with them. Micah warned against worship of other gods, predicting distant Babylon would one day defeat Judah as part of God's judgment.
I pray you receive this with the love intended, and apply it to wisdom.
May the joy of the Lord continue to be your strength.
Love you much.
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Blessed!
-Humble Servant
P.S- If you have not given your life to Jesus Christ, I implore you to take the time to do so right now. Use John 3:16 & Romans 10:9-10 as a foundation for making your confession of faith. And use Ephesians 2:1-10 to provide proper context for your salvation.