The Minor Prophets The Twelve Hosea Joel Amos

The Minor Prophets “The Twelve” Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi Prophetic Ministry: 800 – 430 B. C.

Micah Setting: • Date: 735 – 700 B. C. (with Isaiah); lived during the destruction of Israel • Audience: Samaria & Jerusalem (both Israel and Judah); emphasis on Judah

Micah “Who is a God Like Yahweh? ” Message: (1) God’s coming judgment on both kingdoms due to their sin (2) The future restoration of a righteous remnant under one Shepherd

Micah “Who is a God Like Yahweh? ” Structure: • Three separate prophetic oracles – 1: 2 – 2: 13; – 3: 1 – 5: 15; – 6: 1 – 7: 20 • Pattern: begin with judgment and end with restoration; start w/ word “hear”

Sampling of Judgment • 1: 2 -7 – Epiphany of God in judgment • 2: 1 -3 – Specific sins • 3: 9 -12 – Indictment of the leaders

Micah 6: 1 -8 1. A Call to Court (v 1 -2) • rib (“case”) motif – God’s covenant lawsuit against His people 2. God’s Questioning of His People (v 3 -5) • Opens the door for a renewal of the covenant 3. The People’s Response/Question (v 6 -7) • Reveals their deception and hypocrisy 4. Micah’s Response (v 8) • Expresses the heart of relationship to God

Essence of the Covenant 1. Relationship to Others • “to do justice” – reveals the heart • “love kindness” – practice faithful love 2. Relationship with God • “to walk humbly with your God” – the foundation all righteousness