Minor Prophets

Micah

Micah’s name means “Who is like Jehovah” Micah was from Moresheth in southern Judah. He prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah [1:1], from around 735 to 710 B.C. His message was for both kingdoms, warning God’s people of coming judgement for their sins, but also offering hope through God’s mercy.

Judgement to come for Samaria and Jerusalem

[Mic 1] Judgement against Samaria and Jerusalem will come. Samaria’s will be decisive, with the Assyrian army sweeping through Israel, stopping at the gates of Jerusalem. There will be weeping and wailing and parents will mourn for their exiled children.

Corruption and false prophets

[Mic 2] The guilty are charged with covetousness, oppression and injustice against the poor, and God is devising disaster against them, a disaster from which there will be no escape. He will bring down their pride and cause them to lament over the loss of their land. False prophets speak against Micah and prophesy better things, things people want to hear. Deliverance is promised for the remnant of Israel.

Leaders and prophets rebuked

[Mic 3] Leaders are rebuked for their oppression of the people; when they cry out to the Lord they will not be heard. Prophets are rebuked for false prophesying and will no longer have visions, suffering shame as a consequence. Leaders, priests and prophets all mistakenly believe God’s presence will protect them, no matter what. The coming kingdom [Mic 4] In the last days, all nations will look to Jerusalem, will know God’s ways and there will be universal peace. But first there will be an exile before a remnant can finally return.

The King out of Bethlehem

[Mic 5] Here we have the prophecy quoted in Matthew 2:6 when Herod hears of the coming Magi: But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Current and future events merge in a prophecy of deliverance for God’s people, and vengeance on their enemies.

What God requires of His people

[Mic 6] Israel are again reproved for their sinful acts and attitudes, and are told that to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God is all that God requires of them. But they continue to fail Him and their guilt will inevitably lead to punishment.

Misery turns to triumph

[Mic 7] Micah laments over the terrible sinful state of the times in which he lives, while all the time trusting in God who will cause Israel to rise again. Sins will be pardoned and transgressions forgiven when, in His mercy, God will prove faithful to His oath to Abraham and Jacob.