The Book of Micah
Preliminary matters:
Anterior to any serious study of a book, it is
needful that preliminary matters such as the
setting, scope, and general design of the book
be considered. For instance, Micah is famous
mainly due to the prophecy made by Micah
regarding Jesus and his birth place (Micah 5:
2, cp. Matt. 2: 5).
The Book of Micah
“2: But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though
thou be little among the thousands of Judah,
yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me
that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth
have been from of old, from everlasting”
(Micah 5).
The Book of Micah
“Three sections of this work represent three
natural divisions of the prophecy -1, 2; 3-5; 6,7each commencing with rebukes and threatening
and closing with a promise. The first section
opens with a magnificent description of the
coming of Jehovah to judgment for the sins and
idolatries of Israel and Judah, ch. 1:2-4, and the
sentence pronounced upon Samaria, vs. 5-9, by
the Judge himself. The sentence of captivity is
passed upon them. (Micah 2: 10) but is followed
instantly by a promise of restoration and
triumphant return. (Micah 2: 12, 13.)….”
The Book of Micah
“…The second section is addressed especially to
the princes and heads of the people: their avarice
and rapacity are rebuked in strong terms; but the
threatening is again succeeded by a promise of
restoration….”
The Book of Micah
In the last section, chs. 6, 7, Jehovah, by a bold
poetical figure, is represented as holding a
controversy with his people, pleading with them in
justification of his conduct toward them and the
reasonableness of his requirements. The whole
concludes with a triumphal song of joy at the great
deliverance, like that from Egypt, which Jehovah
will achieve, and a full acknowledgment of his
mercy and faithfulness of his promises. vs. 1620….
The Book of Micah
…The last verse is reproduced in the song of
Zacharias. (Luke 1: 72, 73.) Micah’s prophecies
are distinct and clear. He it is who says that the
Ruler shall spring from Bethlehem. (Luke 5: 2.)
His style has been compared with that of Hosea
and Isaiah. His diction is vigorous and forcible,
sometimes obscure from the abruptness of its
transitions, but varied and rich” (Smith’s Bible
Dictionary).
The Book of Micah
The date of Micah.
Based on Micah 1: 1, Micah appears to have
been active for about 60 years (perhaps
mainly 16, between 757 and 697 (Jotham
began to reign and Hezekiah’s death).
The Book of Micah
Important, relevant dates:
 The Assyrians captured Samaria in 722 (cp.
Micah 1: 6).
 In 606, the first groups of Judaeans were taken
to Babylon as captives.
 Jerusalem captured by Babylon in 597 (cp.
Micah 4: 100).
 Jerusalem fell in 586 (cp. Micah 3: 12).
 First group returned in 536.
 Walls of Jerusalem rebuilt in 444 (cp. Micah 4).
The Book of Micah
Micah’s prophecies:
Micah specifically prophesied regarding the
destruction of Samaria (Micah 1: 5, 6). Micah
also prophesied of the fall of Jerusalem about
150 years before and provided the name of
the conquering kingdom before this kingdom
was considered to possibly be such a threat
(cp. 4: 10).
The Book of Micah
Micah’s prophecies (continued):
Even in view of the total control of Babylon
and utter destruction of Jerusalem, Micah
prophesied of the rebuilding and restoration of
Jerusalem (cp. 3: 12, etc.). It would appear,
though, that in the main, Micah’s prophesies
relative to restoration were Messianic and
spiritual in nature (cp. 4: 1f., cp. 2: 12, 13).
The Book of Micah
Section one (chapters 1 and 2).
1. The Judgment of God (1: 2-4).
A. Samaria not overlooked (1: 6, 7).
B. Particular sins specified (2: 1-11, 7).
2. Promise of restoration (2: 12, 13).
The Book of Micah
Section two (chapters 3, 4, 5).
1.The “heads” of the people are addressed
and especially held accountable (3: 1, cp.
Heb. 13: 17).
2. Particular sins of these leaders (3: 2, 3, 4,
9, 10).
3. The teachers are addressed (3: 5, 11).
The Book of Micah
Section two (chapters 3, 4, 5), cont’d.
4. The destruction of Jerusalem and
restoration (3: 12, 4: 1-2).
5. Babylon is named as the invading
Kingdom (4: 10).
6. In keeping with Micah’s style, immediately
restoration is again presented (5: 1, 2).
The Book of Micah
Section three (chapters 6 and 7).
1. God challenges his people (6: 1, cp. Amos
4: 12).
2. They are urged to remember God’s
mindfulness of them (6: 3-5).
3. Israel, both realistically and ideally is
presented (7: 1-7).
The Book of Micah
Conclusion:
Notwithstanding the many infractions of God’s
people, He remains longsuffering and willing
to forgive (Micah 7: 18-20, cp. 2 Peter. 3: 9).