Micah
The Prophet of Justice
Divine Inspiration Process
1. Divine Calling
God sovereignly chose Micah to be His spokesperson during a time of moral decay and social injustice.
2. Spirit-Led Revelation
The Holy Spirit revealed God's heart for justice, mercy, and humility through Micah's prophetic ministry.
3. Faithful Transmission
Micah faithfully recorded and proclaimed God's words without adding or subtracting from the divine message.
Divine Attributes Revealed
Justice
God's perfect righteousness and fairness
Micah 6:8 - 'To act justly and to love mercy'
Mercy
God's compassionate love and forgiveness
Micah 7:18 - 'Who is a God like you, who pardons sin'
Sovereignty
God's supreme authority over all nations
Micah 4:1 - 'The mountain of the LORD's temple will be established'
Faithfulness
God's unwavering commitment to His promises
Micah 7:20 - 'You will be faithful to Jacob, and show love to Abraham'
Micah, whose name means "Who is like Yahweh?", was a prophet from the small town of Moresheth in Judah. He ministered during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, making him a contemporary of Isaiah. Micah's prophetic ministry was marked by his passionate concern for social justice and his unwavering commitment to God's righteousness.
Key Message
"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8
As a rural prophet, Micah brought God's perspective on the corruption and injustice he witnessed in both Israel and Judah. His prophecies addressed the wealthy elite who oppressed the poor, corrupt leaders who perverted justice, and false prophets who spoke lies for personal gain. Yet his message also contained hope - prophecies of the coming Messiah and the restoration of God's people.
Social Justice
Condemnation of oppression and call for righteousness
Key Passages:
Messianic Hope
Prophecies about the coming Messiah from Bethlehem
Key Passages:
Divine Judgment
God's judgment on sin and unfaithfulness
Key Passages:
Restoration Promise
Hope for Israel's future restoration and peace
Key Passages:
"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."— Micah 6:8
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."— Micah 5:2
"Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea."— Micah 7:18-19
Structure:
- • Chapters 1-3: Judgment on Israel and Judah
- • Chapters 4-5: Hope and Restoration
- • Chapters 6-7: God's Case Against His People
Key Themes:
- • Social Justice
- • Divine Judgment
- • Messianic Hope
- • God's Mercy
Famous Prophecy:
Micah 5:2 prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, fulfilled 700 years later in Jesus Christ.
Political Situation:
The divided kingdom faced threats from Assyria while internal corruption plagued both Israel and Judah.
Social Issues:
Wealthy landowners oppressed the poor, judges took bribes, and false prophets spoke for money.
Religious Decline:
Idolatry was rampant, and true worship of Yahweh was corrupted by pagan practices.