Micah Background Micah means Who is like Jehovah

Micah

Background • Micah means “Who is like Jehovah? ” • He prophesied to Judah about 730 B. C. • That time can be seen in 2 Kings 15: 32 - 20: 21 and 2 Chronicles 27: 1 -32: 33 • Theme: punishment of Israel and Judah • Micah is Isaiah’s contemporary – Micah spoke to the countryside – Isaiah spoke to the city • Micah credits God as his source of power and claims inspiration – 1: 1; 3: 8

The Punishment of Samaria • Because of her service to idols – 1: 6 -7 – She believed her wealth came from playing the harlot in service to Baal – Exodus 20: 2 -6 – God would see that wealth destroyed and offered in another nation in service to Baal • Because of covetousness – 2: 1 -5; 1 Kings 21: 1 -24 – Wicked rich laid awake all night plotting what to do to the poor, then got up to do it – Exodus 20: 17 – They will take up the cry of the oppressed – There will be no one to measure their inheritance – 3: 1 -4

The Punishment of Samaria • They would rather listen to a false prophet than God’s true message – 2: 6 -11 – A prophecy of destruction does not have to be made against those who walk uprightly • God will punish the false prophets – 3: 5 -7, 11 -12 – When they most desire to know, God will darken their day and there will be no vision – They would cover the lip like a leper – Leviticus 13: 45 – Such covering of the lip is also an expression of mourning – Ezekiel 24: 17

The Coming Prince of Peace • • Joel 4 -5 In contrast to the coming destruction, Micah pictures the last days – Acts 2: 17 The new kingdom would include people of all nations – Luke 24: 47; Acts 15: 13 -18 The great Shepherd will gather the once driven sheep into a kingdom with no earthly king, but God as the head – Isaiah 40; Micah 4: 5 -8 The new ruler would come out of Bethlehem – Micah 5: 2 -4; Matthew 2: 1; Luke 2: 10 -11

Description of True Religion • Three requirements of true religion – Micah 6: 8 – To do justly – treat God and man as scripture directs, which would include sacrifice – Love mercy – do not do just what the law demands but use love as the basis for actions – Walk humbly with God – recognize your helplessness without God and submit to his absolutely good and holy nature