By: EMMANUEL ADEOYE (Evang.)
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THE NAME MICAH is an abbreviation form of the Hebrew name Micaiah and means WHO IS LIKE JEHOVAH? He was rather simple country preacher from MORESHETH-GATH which is small town on border between Judah and Philistia. He was contemporary of Isaiah.
We know nothing of Micah’s parent or occupation. But it seem obvious that his background made him sensitive to the burden of the downtrodden. Unlike Isaiah whom was of the Jewish aristocrat, Micah was undoubtedly a commoner.
Micah prophesies was concerning both Samaria the capital of Israel and Jerusalem the capital of Judah, but the bulk of his message was directed to Judah.
Micah appears to have begun his prophetic ministry sometime before the destruction of Samaria in 721bc 1:5.
Micah emphasized that a believer performance must match his conduct rather than contradict his profession. The people were performing their religious ceremonies at specified time but ignoring the fact; that the religion committed them to a life of constant righteousness.
This showcase the fact that right Doctrine and true worship without a virtuous life are empty. From The superscription to the book, we are informed that his ministry was rather long. He was active under the reign of (Jotham 739-735 Ahaz 735-715 And Hezekiah 715-686).
In View of the fact that the good king Hezekiah initiated a reform to correct many of the evils; Micah protested, his prophecies recorded in this book almost surely were delivered before that period of reform. We thus date his ministry at approximately 735-700 bc. The Book of Micah presents a powerful message of both JUDGMENT AND HOPE FOR THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL. It condemns social injustice, religious hypocrisy, and the corruption of the leadership, while simultaneously offering a promise of future restoration and a Messiah who will bring peace and justice.
MICAH EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF DOING JUSTLY, LOVING MERCY, AND WALKING HUMBLY WITH GOD, highlighting that these actions are more important than mere rituals and sacrifices. Micah not Only Preached Repentance To The People Of Judah But Also Looked Forward To The Day Of The Coming Messiah Universal Kingdom – Micah 4:1-3.
The Reign of Christ Would Offer Salvation To All Nation alike.
Peace And Prosperity Promised Here has Its Fulfillment Of Life Of The Kingdom Of God And Not Affairs Of Civil State.
STRUCTURE:
The Book Of Micah Can Be Broadly Divided Into Sections That Explore Judgment
- (Chapters 1-3), HOPE
- (Chapters 4-5), AND A CALL TO REPENTANCE
- Chapters 6 And 7 Offer A Courtroom Scene Where God Lays Out His Case Against His People And Emphasizes His Desire For Their Repentance And Restoration.
In Essence, The Book Of Micah Challenges Its Audience To Live Justly, Love Mercy, And Walk Humbly With God, Knowing That God’s Judgment And Mercy Will Ultimately Prevail and Lead To A Glorious Future.
HERE’S A DETAILED LOOK AT MICAH’S MESSAGE:
JUDGMENT AND CONDEMNATION:
SOCIAL INJUSTICE:
Micah strongly criticizes the wealthy and powerful who exploit the poor and oppress the vulnerable, highlighting the importance of fairness and justice.
RELIGIOUS HYPOCRISY:
Micah condemns the false prophets who offer empty promises of security for personal gain, as well as the priests who turn their religious roles into opportunities for corruption.
CORRUPTION OF LEADERS:
Micah rebukes the rulers who amass wealth through dishonesty and disregard God’s law, ultimately leading to their downfall.
PROMISE OF HOPE AND RESTORATION:
GOD’S MERCY AND FORGIVENESS:
Despite his harsh pronouncements of judgment, Micah also emphasizes God’s mercy and willingness to forgive those who repent and turn to Him.
FUTURE RESTORATION:
Micah prophesies a future when God will restore his people, establish a just and peaceful kingdom, and ultimately bring about the coming of a ruler from Bethlehem.
THE MESSIAH:
Micah’s prophecy about the Messiah, who will be born in Bethlehem and rule with justice, is one of the most well-known and quoted passages in the Book of Micah.
KEY THEMES:
JUSTICE AND MERCY:
Micah highlights the importance of treating others fairly and with compassion, emphasizing that these actions are more pleasing to God than mere outward religious rituals.
GOD’S FAITHFULNESS:
Micah assures his audience that God is faithful to his covenant and will ultimately bring about the restoration of his people, even after periods of judgment and exile.
THE IMPORTANCE OF REPENTANCE:
Micah encourages his people to turn away from their sinful ways and embrace a life of righteousness, highlighting that God is willing to forgive and restore those who repent.
THE SIN OF THE PEOPLE OF MICAH’S DAYS MAY BE CATALOGUE AS FOLLOWS:
- IDOLATRY – 1:7, 6:16
- COVETOUSNESS – 2:2
- OPPRESSION – 2:2
- VIOLENECE – 2:2, 3:10,7:2
- ENCOURAGE FALSE PROPHETS – 2:6, 11
- CORRUPTION OF PRINCES – 3:1 -3
- CORRUPTION OF PROPHETS – 3:5-7
- CORRUPTION PRIESTS – 3:11
- (CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM)
- BRIBERY – 3:9,11, 7:3
- DISHONESTY – 6:10-11
- The things which really distinguish this book is Micah’s treatment of social morality and religious duty.
- The people were carrying on their religious ceremonies at the specified times, yet giving no thought to how they conducted themselves during the remainder of the week.
- They were religious and ungodly at the same time.
This distress the Prophet greatly and he cried, …Will The Lord Be Pleased With Thousand Of Rams, With Ten Thousand Rivers Of Oil… He Has Showed You Oh Man, What Is Good And What Does The Lord Required Of You But To Do Justice And To Love Kindness And To Walk Humbly With Your God (Micah 6:7-8).
Not Mere Profession But Actual Performance Is The Proof Of One’s Religion. How This Message Speak To The People Of God Today!
CONCLUSION
Micah announced punishment of God against both Israel and Judah (1:1-7, 1:8-16). The book ends with a plea for repentance.
Gods complaint against the people (6:1-16) leads Micah to lament the lack of righteousness in Jerusalem (7:1-6) confess sin (7:7-17) and rejoiced in mercies of the Lord 7:18-20.
CONCLUSION
HYMN 693
BY M.W. SPENCER
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