Micah

Author: Micah
Date of Writing: 8th century BC
Type of Book: Prophetic
Theme: God's justice and grace

Micah the prophet was born in Moresheth, which was in the hill country west of Jerusalem, in the southern kingdom of Judah. His ministry was during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. He was a contemporary of Isaiah, Hosea, and Amos. He may very well have been a friend of Isaiah, as they are similar in many ways, and some have observed that the book of Micah is like a miniature book of Isaiah. Although Micah was from Judah and addressed some of his prophecies toward Jerusalem, the capital of Judah, the main emphasis of his prophecies is directed toward the capital city of Samaria in the northern kingdom.

Micah's name means "Who is like Yahweh?" and that was a big part of his message. He declared the uniqueness and majesty of God in His judgment and His mercy. Micah prophesied of the coming fall of Israel as a result of the sin and idolatry in their lives, but he also predicted their eventual return to the land, based on the faithfulness of God. His prophecies show a perfect blending of the justice of God and the grace of God.

Often the perception is that the God of the Old Testament is mean and vengeful, while the God of the New Testament is loving and gracious. The prophecies of Micah make it abundantly clear that the God of the Old and New Testaments is the same God. He has always demanded righteousness, but He has also always loved His people. He has always desired to bless them, and He will always be gracious if they repent of their sins. Who is like Yahweh? No one!

-from Pastor Chuck Smith: The Word for Today Bible