Study notes ▪ 2017 Tags: Micah; Israel; Judah; Day of the Lord Excerpted from Twelve: Getting to Know the Minor Prophets Related Resources: Introduction to Joel ▪ Introduction to Zephaniah ▪ Introduction to Zechariah ▪ Introduction to Malachi Micah, a prophet from Moresheth, “a village approximately twenty-five miles southwest of Jerusalem” (Longman 650); remembered by Jeremiah’s contemporaries as one who foretold Jerusalem’s destruction long in advance (Jer. 26:16-19; cf. Micah 3:12), he ministered over the course of a few decades Date735-700 BC
Kings MentionedJudah: Jotham (1:1), Ahaz (1:1), and Hezekiah (1:1) Israel: Omri (6:16) and Ahab (6:16)—both referred to historically, describing the corrupt legacy handed down to Micah’s time over well more than a century Nation(s) TargetedPrimary:
Secondary:
Representative Texts1:1-9; 2:1-3; 3:5-4:5; 4:10-5:4; 6:1-2; 6:6-8; 6:10-13; 7:8-12; 7:18-20 Core MessageYahweh is coming to judge his people for their persistent sins. Oppression, corruption, greed, dishonesty, and idolatry are pervasive throughout Israel. The condition of the people reflects the failure of their rulers, prophets, and priests. Samaria and Jerusalem, respective capitals of the northern and southern kingdoms, will be destroyed thoroughly, and the people of Zion will be exiled in Babylon. Nevertheless, even in the midst of defeat, Israel has cause for hope, for God will vindicate it and gather a remnant to experience spiritual and economic prosperity. Evidence of religious devotion will be found in justice, kindness, and humility more than in sacrificial practices. Israel will dominate its enemies and its territory will be restored, to the awe of the nations. Jerusalem will emerge as a center of spiritual and political influence. Yahweh will reign and a ruler will arise from the small town of Bethlehem. Israel’s restoration is a sure eventuality because the Lord is compassionate, forgiving, and faithful to keep his promises. New Testament References[1]
FeaturesStructurally, the book of Micah consists of three sections: chapters 1-2, 3-5, and 6-7. Each section begins with a call to listen and contains oracles of judgment and promises of restoration (Waltke 525; McComiskey 345). The prophet Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah, and their respective books overlap thematically. The clearest connection between the books is a string of near-identical verses (comp. Isa. 2:2-4 with Mic. 4:1-3). According to McComiskey, “it is not possible to state with certainty who the original author was, or whether the material was adapted from the utterances of some earlier prophet whose work has not otherwise survived” (345). Micah’s name means, “Who is like Yahweh?” The meaning of his name fits well with the question posed near the conclusion of the book: “Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance?” (7:18, ESV). Another literary feature not visible in English translations of Micah is paronomasia, whereby the author “plays on the sounds of words for literary effect” (McComiskey 345). A clear example occurs in 1:10, where “the inhabitants of Beth-le-aphrah (‘house of dust’) are told ‘roll yourselves in the dust’” (345). SourcesBeale, G. K., and D. A. Carson, eds. Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Baker Academic, 2007. Geisler, Norman L. A Popular Survey of the Old Testament. Baker Book House, 1977. Longman, Tremper, III. “Micah.” Baker Commentary on the Bible, edited by Walter A. Elwell, Baker Books, 2000, pp. 650-58. McComiskey, Thomas Edward. “Micah, Book of.” The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, edited by Geoffrey W. Bromiley, fully revised, vol. 3, Eerdmans, 1986, pp. 343-46. Merrill, Eugene H. Kingdom of Priests: A History of Old Testament Israel. Baker Books, 1996. Waltke, Bruce K. “Micah, Theology of.” Baker Theological Dictionary of the Bible, edited by Walter A. Elwell, Baker Books, 2000, pp. 525-27. [1] New Testament citations of texts from Micah were identified in part by consulting Beale and Carson’s Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. |
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