Fall Preaching Series on

THE MINOR PROPHETS

God's Mechanic: MICAH

Historical Context

            The prophet Micah identified himself by his hometown, Moresheth Gath which sat nearly 25 miles southwest of Jerusalem. Dwelling in a largely agricultural part of the country, Micah lived outside of the governmental centers of power in his nation, leading to a strong concern for the lowly and less fortunate of society, the outcast, the afflicted and the oppressed. Therefore, Micah directed much of his prophecy toward the powerful leaders of Samaria and Jerusalem, the capital cities of Israel and Judah respectively. His ministry lasted for 20-50 years, spanning the reign of many kings; a rollercoaster account of alternating good then evil kings.

            As a contemporary of Isaiah and Hosea, Micah prophesied during the momentous years surrounding the tragic fall of Israel to the Assyrian army in 721 BC, an event he also predicted. Inhabitants of the Northern Kingdom were swallowed up forever and Judah lost 46 of her surrounding cities - Jerusalem was saved only by Hezekiah's payment of a large tribute to Assyria (II Kings 18:13-16). It is against this background that Micah's message alternates between oracles of judgment and salvation.

Message/Theme/Audience

            The book is set against the background of God's promise to the patriarchs to bring blessings on all the families of the earth through Israel (Genesis 12:3, Micah 7:20). This Covenantal promise given to Abraham is also the point at which they are held accountable because it states God's purpose for his people. The question behind the book is, 'how can God use Israel as the medium of his blessing to all the nations when Israel is sinful?' Judah oppresses the poor, the courts and judges are corrupt, there are dishonest commercial practices, false prophecies, greedy priests, and a general loss of communal order resulting from their disregard for God's justice and commandments. How can such a nation be the instrument of God? The answer is that God will first judge Israel, giving her up to Assyria. But then he will save a remnant of people and will give them a future Davidic King, a Messiah, to rule over them (5:2-4).

            The book of Micah provides one of the most significant prophecies of Jesus Christ's birth in the Old Testament, pointing some 700 years before Christ's birth to his birthplace in Bethlehem, and to his eternal nature. Surrounding Micah's prophecy of Jesus' birth is a picture of the world's future under the reign of the Prince of Peace (5:5). The future kingdom will be characterized by the presence of many nations living with one another in peace and security (4:3-4) and coming to Jerusalem to worship the reigning King, who is Jesus himself. Because these events have not yet occurred, we look forward to that time.