The name Micah means “Who is like the Lord”. He is from the town of Moresheth, about 25 miles outside Jerusalem. He is speaking to the Southern Nation: Judah (his own nation). Stop and think about that. He is not talking to strangers or the other team. He is giving the message to his OWN. He spoke during the reign of 3 Judean Kings:
- Jotham,
- Ahaz,
- Hezekiah.
The period before his ministry both nations: Israel and Judah, are experiencing economic prosperity but lack spiritual communion with God. Micah’s prophecy predicts the destruction of Judah at the hands of the Babylonians (586 BC) and the restoration of Jerusalem after the 70-year captivity.
In summary, the nation of Judah has false security in the Lord (I think a lot of people do). However, when we read these prophecy books we can’t help but look at only the judgment, but we cannot overlook the message of Hope. The book of Micah points us to the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Micah’s message has 3 key points to it:
- Sin
- Destruction
- Restoration
Micah preached in the walls of Jerusalem (gutsy). His political platform was the unfair treatment of the poor from the rich. Micah wanted the people to know that every cruel act to our fellow people was an insult directly to the Lord.
The sins of this time were no different from the sins of today, idolatry, coveting, oppression of the poor, violence, false prophets, corruption of government, corruption in churches, and dishonesty of the people.
Ouch!
Reading the Bible - 2021 