Micah
(Micah 1:1)
(C3234, 3304, 770-700 BC)
His name comes from the Hebrew Meicha i which means "Who is like Ja?".
He was from Moresheth-Gath (Micah 1:14), the near the city of Gath of the Philistines.
Micah lived and worked in the reign of Jotham and Ahaz (Micah 1:1) and also prophesied at the time of Hezekiah (Jeremiah 26: 18). He prophesied, not only before the destruction of Samaria (721 BC), but also before the reform done by Hezekiah (710 BC - compare ch. 1:5). Thus, chapter 1 is probably a speech spoken already under Ahaz, and 2-5 under Hezekiah.
Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah, and both were in Judah, perhaps even in Jerusalem. Their books show great similarity in form and content, although he had not, like Isaiah, any personal contact with the kings and therefore influence in political affairs.
The book of Micah claims the holiness, justice and compassion of God. It denounces (chapter 1-3) but is also comforting (chapter 4-7). It contains remarkable prophecies concerning the Messiah and His kingdom. It is quoted in Jeremiah 26:18, Matthew 2:5-6; 10.35-36.
In his denunciation, the pagan abuses that existed not only in Samaria, but also in Judah and Jerusalem are condemned, and there is a warning that the reform of Hezekiah could only solve part but not all of them permanently (chapter 1:5-7, 5:11 -13; 6:7,16).
In addition Micah rebukes the social injustice, of which the powerful and the great of the land were especially guilty (chapter 2:1 and the following verses, 3:2 and 10), and the dishonesty and disloyalty in business and management in general (ch. 6 : 10 e_7: 2).
Micah defends himself against the false prophets, who despised these charges as being of little importance and threatened the prophet, and countered with his predictions of impending doom (chapter 2:5,11). Opposing himself seriously against their gossips and predictions of good things, Micah announces the trial by enemies who are approaching, and he even goes beyond the open declaration of Isaiah that Jerusalem and the temple will be destroyed (chapters 3:12 ff, 4:10 ff; 5: 1 ff).
The first passage cited is confirmed by the event reported in Jeremiah 26:17 ff. In the passage that starts at 4:10, in a surprising way Babylon is mentioned as the place of exile.
Micah also forecasts the release from the Babylonian captivity and the restoration of Israel in Jerusalem, and declares that this will be done by a King that:
- Will come from the deepest humiliation of the house of David,
- Will be born in Bethlehem,
- Like David, in his childhood he is a simple shepherd,
- He will later again be a pastor,
- He will bring happiness to his people with peace and prosperity.
- The last great attack by the Gentiles against this king will be useless (chapter 4:11-13, 5:4 ff.),
- Continuing, he will cleanse the country of all idolatry and witchcraft (chapter 5: 9 ff).
In describing this ruler, Micah again agrees with Isaiah, but without the details of his prophecy. The chapters 4 and 5 clearly refer to the kingdom of the Messiah in "last days" when:
- Jerusalem will rule over all people; wars will cease; Israel will be restored after the tribulation - chapter 4.
- The Messiah will be born in Bethlehem; he will be wounded; he will deliver His people and it will be purified in triumph - chapter 5.
The prophecies made by Micah closely resemble those of Isaiah, though they have unique characteristics. Micah's style is vigorous and lively, with skillful use of rhetoric. It is characteristic of his style to make dramatic breaks with the answers, for example, chapters 2:5,12, 3:1, 6:6-8, 7:14 ff.
It also gives historical references, for example, chapters 1:13, 1:15, 5:5, 6:4 f, 6:16, 7:20, he makes frequent use of the shepherd as a type, chapters 2:12, 3:2 ff, 4:6, 5:3 ff; 7:14 and he gives idyllic details.
Among the most sublime passages are: 6:6-8; 7.7-9, 18-20.