Micah
BACKGROUND:
Micah means "who is like Jehovah?" His prophecy concerns Samaria and Jerusalem. Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, while Jerusalem was the capital of the southern kingdom of Judah.
Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah and Amos and prophesied during a period of unparalleled prosperity in both the Northern Hebrew Kingdom, Israel, and in the Southern, Judah (ca. 785–745 b.c.). Moral and spiritual decay were widespread, eroding the foundations of society. God neither could nor would overlook the idolatry and the injustice which increasingly characterized the lifestyle of a people who had been called to live in a covenant relationship with Him. (Bible Reader's Companion)
KEY THEMES:
Ø Social sins (Micah 2:2; 3:1–3, 9–12). God cannot tolerate corruption in society or in individuals.
Ø The promised Ruler (Micah 5:1–5). A King to be born in Bethlehem will rule Israel's future kingdom.
Ø God's moral requirements (Micah 6:8). Perhaps the Old Testament's simplest, clearest statement of God's expectations of the believer.
Ø Israel's ultimate restoration (Micah 7:8–20). A fresh vision of the coming day when God will personally shepherd His people and exalt them. (Bible Reader's Companion)
Ø The main theme of the book is God's judgment and redemption—both are there. The key verse is Micah 7:18. (Thru the Bible Commentary)
STRUCTURE:
This little book can be divided into three messages, each beginning with the injunction, "Hear" (Mic. 1:2, 3:1; 6:1). The first message is addressed to "all people," and the second message is addressed specifically to the leaders of Israel. The third message is a personal word of pleading to Israel to repent and return to God. (Thru the Bible Commentary)
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1:1-16: Judgment
Ø Why was the Lord upset? What were the sins of Jacob and Judah?
Ø Note how the consequences of idol worship affected the entire area: "Micah describes the ruin of the southern part of Judah (the Shephelah) by the invading Assyrians in 701 b.c. (Micah 1:10–16; see 2 Kings 18:7ff).3 They swept through the land and took forty-six cities, but they could not take
Ø Is there any parallel for today?
2:1-13: The Futility of Man's Plans
Ø Is God unaware of what happens on earth?
Ø Are there consequences to ignoring God and His commandments?
Ø False prophets will try to persuade the people that God is not concerned about what is happening on earth. Are there false prophets today?
Ø God always preserves a remnant? Define remnant.
Ø Is there a remnant today in God's program? If so, how would you define it?
3:1-12: Leaders and Prophets Rebuked
Ø What does God think of false prophets?
Ø Do true prophets of God only tell of the good things God is going to do?
Ø Are there false prophets today?
Ø How can we tell the difference between true and false teachers?
4:1-13: The Lord's Plan
Ø Micah prophesies of a time when the Lord will rule on earth. Has that been fulfilled yet?
Ø What will it be like when He is ruling from "the mountain of the Lord"?
Ø Where is "the mountain of the Lord"?
Ø What will happen to Israel and her enemies during this time?
Ø What application can we draw from this section?
5:1-15: A Promised Ruler
Ø From where will the promised Ruler of Israel come?
Ø How is this Ruler described? Who do you think this Ruler is?
Ø Why was Israel abandoned and for how long?
Ø Has Israel ever enjoyed peace? Will they?
6:1-7:7: The Lord's Case Against Israel
Ø Why was God upset with Israel? List His complaints.
Ø What was the Lord seeking from His people?
Ø What does God want from His people today?
Ø What can we learn concerning the consequences of sin from this passage?
7:8-20: Israel's Future
Ø What will happen to Israel's enemies in the future according to Micah?
Ø How does Micah describe God?
Ø Does that description still apply?
Ø What does it mean that "God delights to show mercy"? Application!
3 Several of these towns were located within a nine-mile radius of Micah's hometown, Moresheth Gath, and could easily be seen from there on a clear day. These were Micah's neighbors, and he had to tell them they were doomed to destruction!
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