Exploring the Bible // Micah
The book of Micah was written by the prophet of the same name. What little we know about him revolves around the place and time of writing. Micah lived in the agricultural town of Moresheth Gath, which was in Judah about twenty-five miles southwest of Jerusalem. The book was likely written between 735-700 B.C. and predicts the fall of Israel to the Assyrian empire. The timing puts Micah as a contemporary of Isaiah and Hosea.
The book calls for coming judgment but also balances it with hope. Micah doesn’t shy away from calling out injustice. He condemns the rulers, priests, and prophets of Israel who exploit and mislead the people. And while he calls for judgment because of their sins, the prophet reminds the people that God is merciful and will restore the kingdom in a future generation.
Another important aspect of the book: Micah provides one of the most significant prophecies of Jesus’ birth in the Old Testament. In Micah 5, we see this revelation of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem.
What We Can Learn
Micah focuses quite a bit on injustice and we can, in turn, examine where we may be unjust. Ask God to examine your heart and bring about awareness to areas of your life where you are struggling.
Memory Verse
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8 (ESV)