Micah was a native of a town called Moresheth, which was 25 miles SW of Jerusalem, on the border of Judah and Philistia, near Gath. Micah is the shortened form of Micaiah which means “Who is like the Lord?”. He was commissioned by God to prophesy to both the Northern & Southern during the years 750 thru 686 BC.
The book of Micah speaks of God’s wrath and his love. God was angry at both the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah. His anger burned against Israel, for their rebellious spirit and Judah, for their multitude of sins. Micah lists the sins: fraud, theft, greed, extreme indulgences, oppression, hypocrisy, heresy, injustice, extortion, lying, murder and other offenses. God’s patience was being tested. His judgment will more specifically include the false prophets, dishonest leaders and selfish priests in both Israel and Judah. When the people mixed their own selfish motives into their religion the result was an empty display of religiosity thus perverting true faith.
The thing that we today seem to lose sight of, just as the Jews back then, is that God hates all sin. Sin in its simplest form is disobedience to the standard of God. His hatred burns against it with an all-consuming fire that destroys. If you doubt the reality of his hatred for sin look at what happened to Nineveh in 612 BC. The Babylonians and the Medes completely leveled the city so that it exists no more. God arranged that as judgment for their falling back into sin.
Micah speaks in chapter 4 of the Lord’s future reign. At this time according to Micah 4:4, “Everyone will live in peace and prosperity …”. This is speaking of the Millennial Reign of Jesus on the earth. The Lord promises 1000 years of peace and prosperity. He also promises judgment and punishment for those who will not follow him. Both are certainties that shall transpire at their appointed times.
Some simply cannot believe in a God who would wipe out all who do not obey him. They see him as tyrannical … a dictator of sorts; a ‘do what I say or die’ type of ruler. There’s a little more that goes into it then that. God set up standards that were universally fair and just. Man, in their ignorance and arrogance, felt he knew better than the God who created them and he still does today. Man wants to be autonomous, relying on no one but him or herself. It’s a faith issue. Facts and associated proof are not forthcoming for that negates the need for faith. We may consider all the warnings of the Minor Prophets to Israel and Judah to apply to us today as well. “God wants us to change our present behavior because of what we know about the future. Forever begins now; and a glimpse of God’s plan for his followers should motivate us to serve him, no matter what the rest of the world may do.” [1]
Next we will take a look at the prophet Nahum. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing!
In His Name & for His Glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resource: The Life Application Study Bible; The MacArthur Bible Commentary.
[1] Taken from the note for Micah 4:12 from p.1905 of The Life Application Study Bible.
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