Micah
Micah of Moresheth
Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah, prophesied to both Israel and Judah about coming judgment for injustice and idolatry. The book alternates between doom and hope, climaxing in the prophecy of a ruler from Bethlehem and the famous summary of what God requires: justice, mercy, and humility.
Chapters
Book Outline
Coming destruction for Israel and Judah's sins, especially injustice.
Indictment of unjust rulers, false prophets, and corrupt priests.
Vision of Mount Zion's exaltation, ruler from Bethlehem, remnant preserved.
God's lawsuit against Israel, what He requires, confession and confidence.
Key Themes
Social Justice
God condemns exploitation of the poor by the wealthy and powerful.
True Religion
God desires justice, mercy, and humility more than religious ritual.
The Coming King
A ruler from Bethlehem will shepherd Israel with God's strength.
Key Verses
He has shown you, O mortal, 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.
One of the Old Testament's clearest summaries of godly living.
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.
Prophecy of the Messiah's birthplace, quoted in Matthew 2:6.
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.
Celebration of God's forgiving character, a wordplay on Micah's name.
Main Characters
Biblical Locations
Connection to Christ
Born in Bethlehem
Micah 5:2 prophesied Christ's birthplace, cited by the magi in Matthew's Gospel.
MAT 2:5-6Shepherd King
The ruler who will shepherd Israel with God's strength is fulfilled in Jesus.
JHN 10:11What God Requires
Jesus affirmed Micah's summary by emphasizing justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
MAT 23:23