The word of the LORD comes to Micah of Moresheth during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, summoning all peoples to witness as the Lord GOD comes forth from His place, treading upon the earth's high places until mountains melt like wax and valleys split. Judgment falls upon Samaria for the transgression of Jacob and Jerusalem for Judah's high places—the capital's idols and harlot-wages will be beaten to pieces and burned with fire. The prophet himself wails naked like jackals, mourning that the wound has reached Jerusalem's gate, as city after city faces calamity in a series of devastating wordplays.
Read Micah Chapter 1 Summary
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Places in This Chapter
Samaria
View on MapSamaria was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel and later became the name for the entire region between Judea and Galilee. After the Assyrian conquest, the population became mixed, and the Samaritans developed their own form of worship. Jews and Samaritans had deep hostility. Jesus broke social barriers by speaking with the Samaritan woman at the well and telling the parable of the Good Samaritan.
The Temple
View on MapThe Temple in Jerusalem was the permanent house of worship built by Solomon on Mount Moriah. Destroyed by Babylon, it was rebuilt by Zerubbabel and later greatly expanded by Herod. Jesus taught in the Temple courts, cleared it of merchants, and predicted its destruction, which occurred in 70 AD.
Gath
View on MapGath was one of the five major Philistine cities and the home of Goliath, the giant warrior who defied Israel. David fled to Gath to escape Saul and pretended to be insane before King Achish. The city was eventually conquered by David. The phrase "Tell it not in Gath" comes from David's lament over Saul and Jonathan.
Position in Book
Judgment AnnouncedChapters 1-2
Coming destruction for Israel and Judah's sins, especially injustice.
Leaders CondemnedChapters 3
Future HopeChapters 4-5
God's CaseChapters 6-7