(Means: Who is like Yahweh) - see also - Jeremiah 26:18
Historical Setting
During Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah Kings of Judah.
Prophecy Against
Micah prophesies against both Samaria and Jerusalem the capital cities of Israel in the north and Judah in the south.
Time Period
740-711 B.C. -(Pre-Exile & Exile)
Micah was from Moresheth which was in western Judah and attacked by Assyria in 701 B.C.
Historical Theme - What did it mean then?
1. This was a time of great upheaval, spiritual, national and moral.
2. Israel and Syria tried to form a union and attack Judah. Assyria conquered Israel (Samaria) in 722 B.C. and then brought the war right to the gates of Jerusalem in 701 B.C.
3. Micah was speaking to both Samaria and Jerusalem (Samaria had no time to repent but Jerusalem still could ... but didn't)
Outline of the Book
1. Message to the people - God is justified in His judgement of them but will restore them. (1-2)
2. Message to the leaders - God will punish evil leadership and will reign through eternal leadership (The Messiah) (3-5)
3. Message to the them all - God is appropriate for His judgement (they broke the covenant) but is gracious toward repentance (He will honor His character) (6-7)
Future Theme - What's it mean in future?
1. God will ultimate judge Israel and Judah but will restore them under The Eternal Ruler and establish the people in true righteousness and truth.
2. The Messiah is that eternal ruler.
Reasons to read it:
1. If you struggle with a holy God judging a sinful people.
2. If you want to know what true, righteous leadership looks like and what it can do for "nations" (or any group of people)
3. If you want to know what God really wants from us.
Practical Theme - What does it mean for me today?
1.God will judge us and has the moral and legal grounds to do so - He doesn't simply judge on a whim (Micah 1-2)
2. God will hold those in leadership responsible for their failures to lead "spiritually" - (Micah 3-5)
3. God has a case against us and that case is based upon a lack of justice; kindness and the showing of mercy (Micah 6)
4. God will keep His covenant (even though Israel didn't) and provide complete and full assurance.
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