DOCSLIB.ORG

Author Time and Place of Writing Purpose Finding Christ in Micah

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Author Time and Place of Writing Purpose Finding Christ in Micah THE MINOR PROPHET CHALLENGE The Prophecy of Micah INTRODUCTION TO MICAH All introductory material has been excerpted from The Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible published by Zondervan Publishing. We highly recommend it for your personal study library. Author Micah is identified by his hometown of Moresheth (1:1,14), implying that he was an outsider to Jerusalem. As a prophet who ministered alongside Isaiah, Micah had an influential ministry during a critical time in Judah’s history. Time and Place of Writing Date: 742-686 B.C. Micah preached during the reigns of Jotham (742-735 B.C.), Ahaz (735-715 B.C.) and Hezekiah (715-686 B.C.). During this time a shocking contras developed between the extremely rich and the oppressed poor due to the exploitation of Israel’s middle class (2:8-9) by greedy landowners (2:1-5), who were supported by Israel’s corrupt political and religious leaders (ch.3). Because of this failed leadership the whole nation became morally corrupt (6:9-16; 7:1-7). God raised up Assyria as his rod of judgment against his sinful people (Isa. 10:5-11). As Micah had predicted (1:2-7), the Assyrians destroyed Samaria in 722 B.C. (2Ki. 17:1-6). Judah felt the full force of God’s judgment when the Assyrian king Sennacherib (705-681 B.C.) marched through Judah’s western foothills and up to the gate of Jerusalem, as Micah had also foretold (1:8-16). When the city was under siege, Hezekiah finally repented, and the Lord turned back the army of Assyria (Jer. 26:18-19). Purpose To call Judah to repentance and hope during the Assyrian crisis and prepare Judah for the Babylonian exile by announcing God’s judgments against sin and his promises of restoration. Finding Christ in Micah The book of Micah reveals Christ in at least two ways. First, Micah made many predictions of judgment and deliverance that spoke directly to the judgment of the Assyrian king Sennacherib’s devastating attack on Judah and the salvation of Jerusalem. He also predicted that the Babylonians would conquer Judah. As major acts of divine judgment and salvation, these predictions and their fulfillments are shadows or types anticipating the final judgment and salvation that comes in Christ. Second, predictions of the judgments and the blessings that would take place at the restoration of God’s people after the Babylonian captivity speak more directly of Christ. According to the New Testament, Jesus inaugurated these events in his earthly ministry; continues them today and will bring them to completion at his return. Micah spoke of these events as “the last days” (4:1) and “that day” (2:4, 4:6, 5:10; 7:12); that is, “the day of the Lord,” which the New Testament connects to the work of Christ (2 Th. 2:1-2; 2 Pe. 3:10). Perhaps the most direct prediction of Christ in Micah is found in 5:1-6 (see Mt. 2:6), where God promised that the house of David would rise up after exile, defeat Judah’s enemies, rule over the entire earth and bring peace to God’s people. Minor Prophet Challenge, L6, p. 1 IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MICAH “The word of the Lord that came to Micah of Moresheth in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.” Micah 1:1 (ESV) The emphasis, from the beginning, is that this is God’s word, not the prophet’s. It is not Micah’s understanding of God’s word; it is the very word of Yahweh himself, the one who has entered into covenant with his people. Micah is his messenger. The book tells us nothing about Micah, except his hometown and the time of his ministry. Moresheth, or Moresheth-Gath, likely is to be identified with the modern Tell el-Judeidah, which is located approximately twenty-five miles southwest of Jerusalem. As to the time frame of his ministry, we are not given specifics, only the broad boundaries, 742-687 B.C. Notice that he does not list the kings of the northern kingdom, even though part of the prophecy concerns Samaria. Some see the omission as an indictment against the northern kings as “pretenders” to the throne. Certainly, kingship in the Old Testament is seen as residing legitimately in Jerusalem and the line of David. However, after the death of Jeroboam II in 746 B.C., kingship in the northern kingdom was marked by intrigue and assassination; it was complete chaos. The only other reference to this Micah, (there were at least nine individuals with this name in the Old Testament), is found in Jer 26:18-19. There we learn, “Micah of Moresheth prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and said to all the people of Judah: 'Thus says the Lord of hosts, " 'Zion shall be plowed as a field; Jerusalem shall become a heap of ruins, and the mountain of the house a wooded height.' Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him to death? Did he not fear the Lord and entreat the favor of the Lord, and did not the Lord relent of the disaster that he had pronounced against them? But we are about to bring great disaster upon ourselves"(ESV). God worked through Micah to bring about repentance; therefore, the judgment of Judah was delayed. Micah’s name means, “Who is like Yahweh?” It is a fitting name for the prophet who would deliver this message, as the book opens with a description of the wonder of God’s majesty and greatness and closes with the wonder of God’s grace. Finally, the message is directed to Samaria and Jerusalem, the capitals of the northern and southern kingdoms. Thus, they each represent God’s indictment on their entire nation. Verse 2 begins the first of three major sections in the book of Micah. Each section begins with, “Hear,” and each includes an oracle of judgment and a message of hope. I. Oracle addressed to all people: chapters 1-2. II. Oracle addressed to the leaders: chapters 3-5. III. Oracle addressed to the mountains: chapters 6-7. Minor Prophet Challenge, L6, p. 2 I. Oracle addressed to all people: chapters 1-2. “Hear, you peoples, all of you; pay attention, O earth, and all that is in it, and let the Lord God be a witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple. For behold, the L ord is coming out of his place, and will come down and tread upon the high places of the earth. And the mountains will melt under him, and the valleys will split open, like wax before the fire, like waters poured down a steep place.” Micah 1:2-4 (ESV) The language is that of the courtroom, with God as judge, plaintiff, and witness against the people. All this must be viewed against the backdrop of the covenant. God entered into covenant with the people of Israel when they came out of Egypt, and he gave them the blessings and the curses (Lev. 26; Deut. 27-30), blessings if they kept the covenant and curses if they broke the covenant. This courtroom language is even stronger in chapter 6. There the prophet uses the term “indictment,” rîb, with the root meaning, “strive” or “contend.” It was a term that could be used in legal proceedings. Whether or not it takes on the formal characteristics of a lawsuit in Micah, it certainly has judicial overtones and is helpful in understanding God’s judgment against his people. Even though his judgment at this time is focused on Samaria and Jerusalem, God addresses all the nations. The message is universal. This is emphasized by the use of “all” and by the use of the title, “Lord God,” or “Sovereign Lord.” God is sovereign over all nations. What God says in particular to his covenant people, applies to all. One day all will stand before him. (Cf. 1 Peter 4:17, “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (ESV).) The place of judgment is heaven, God’s throne room. God is coming, and nothing will be able to stand before him. If the mountains melt at the coming of the Lord, how will we be able to stand before him? If the people of Micah’s day were tempted to think of God as remote or uninvolved in their affairs, Micah reminds them otherwise. Both the mountains and the valleys are under his control. He paints a vivid picture of the greatness and majesty of God. The term, “high place,” b? mâ, could refer to a ridge or height, but most often it refers to a place of worship. When the Israelites were preparing to enter the promised land, God told them to “drive out all the inhabitants of the land . .and demolish all their high places” Num. 33:52 (ESV). Before the building of Solomon’s temple the term was sometimes used to designate places of authentic worship (e.g. 1 Sam. 9:12-14). Afterward, however, it was used almost exclusively to refer to places that incorporated pagan worship practices. To “tread upon the high places” is to exercise complete sovereignty over them. “All this is for the transgression of Jacob and for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob? Is it not Samaria? And what is the high place of Judah? Is it not Jerusalem?” Micah 1:5 (ESV) Minor Prophet Challenge, L6, p.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Micah Obadiah Joel and Jonah the Books of the Prophets Micah Obadiah Joel and Jonah
    WESTMINSTER COMMENTARIES EDITED BY WALTER LooK D.D. L"-I)y MARGARET PROFESSOR OF DIVINITY Iii THE U!iIVERSITY 011' OXFORD THE BOOKS OF THE PROPHETS MICAH OBADIAH JOEL AND JONAH THE BOOKS OF THE PROPHETS MICAH OBADIAH JOEL AND JONAH WITH INTRODUCTION AND NOTES BY G. W. WADE D.D. 8ENIOB TUTOR OF ST DAVID'S COLLEGE, LAXPETBJI, CANON OF BT ASil>H METHUEN & CO. LTD. 36 ESSEX STREET W.C. LONDON First published in 1925 l'BINT.11D IN GREAT BRITAIN DULCISSIMAE DILECTISSIMAE PREFATORY NOTE BY THE GENER.AL EDITOR HE primary object of these Commentaries is to be exe­ T getical, to interpret the meaning of each book of the Bible in the light of modern knowledge to English readers. The Editors: will not deal, except subordinately, with questions of textual criticism or philology ; but taking the English text in the Revised Version as their basis, they will aim at com­ bining a hearty acceptance of critical principles with loyalty to the Catholic Faith. The series will be less elementary than the Cambridge Bible for Schools, less critical than the International Critical Com­ mentary, less didactic than the Expositor's Bible ; and it is hoped that it may be of use both to theological students and to the clergy, as well as to the growing number of educated laymen and laywomen who wish to read the Bible intelligently and reverently. Each commentary will therefore have (i) An Introduction stating the bearing of modern criticism and research upon the historical character of the book, and drawing out the contribution which the book, as a whole, makes to the body of religious truth.
    [Show full text]
  • Micah at a Glance
    Scholars Crossing The Owner's Manual File Theological Studies 11-2017 Article 33: Micah at a Glance Harold Willmington Liberty University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/owners_manual Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, Christianity Commons, Practical Theology Commons, and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons Recommended Citation Willmington, Harold, "Article 33: Micah at a Glance" (2017). The Owner's Manual File. 13. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/owners_manual/13 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Theological Studies at Scholars Crossing. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Owner's Manual File by an authorized administrator of Scholars Crossing. For more information, please contact [email protected]. MICAH AT A GLANCE This book records some bad news and good news as predicted by Micah. The bad news is the ten northern tribes of Israel would be captured by the Assyrians and the two southern tribes would suffer the same fate at the hands of the Babylonians. The good news foretold of the Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem and the ultimate establishment of the millennial kingdom of God. BOTTOM LINE INTRODUCTION QUESTION (ASKED 4 B.C.): WHERE IS HE THAT IS BORN KING OF THE JEWS? (MT. 2:2) ANSWER (GIVEN 740 B.C.): “BUT THOU, BETHLEHEM EPHRATAH, THOUGH THOU BE LITTLE AMONG THE THOUSANDS OF JUDAH, YET OUT OF THEE SHALL HE COME FORTH” (Micah 5:2). The author of this book, Micah, was a contemporary with Isaiah. Micah was a country preacher, while Isaiah was a court preacher.
    [Show full text]
  • The Minor Prophets Michael B
    Cedarville University DigitalCommons@Cedarville Faculty Books 6-26-2018 A Commentary on the Book of the Twelve: The Minor Prophets Michael B. Shepherd Cedarville University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/faculty_books Part of the Biblical Studies Commons Recommended Citation Shepherd, Michael B., "A Commentary on the Book of the Twelve: The inorM Prophets" (2018). Faculty Books. 201. http://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/faculty_books/201 This Book is brought to you for free and open access by DigitalCommons@Cedarville, a service of the Centennial Library. It has been accepted for inclusion in Faculty Books by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@Cedarville. For more information, please contact [email protected]. A Commentary on the Book of the Twelve: The inorM Prophets Keywords Old Testament, prophets, preaching Disciplines Biblical Studies | Religion Publisher Kregel Publications Publisher's Note Taken from A Commentary on the Book of the Twelve: The Minor Prophets © Copyright 2018 by Michael B. Shepherd. Published by Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, MI. Used by permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. ISBN 9780825444593 This book is available at DigitalCommons@Cedarville: http://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/faculty_books/201 A COMMENTARY ON THE BOOK OF THE TWELVE KREGEL EXEGETICAL LIBRARY A COMMENTARY ON THE BOOK OF THE TWELVE The Minor Prophets MICHAEL B. SHEPHERD Kregel Academic A Commentary on the Book of the Twelve: The Minor Prophets © 2018 by Michael B. Shepherd Published by Kregel Publications, a division of Kregel Inc., 2450 Oak Industrial Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505-6020. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a re- trieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, me- chanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—without written permission of the publisher, except for brief quotations in printed reviews.
    [Show full text]
  • Bible Book Club Micah
    Bible Book Club Micah The prophet Micah prophesied at a similar time to the prophets Isaiah, Amos and Hosea. Whereas Hosea and Amos prophesied in the northern Kingdom of Israel, Micah and Isaiah prophesied in the southern kingdom of Judah, though their messages were addressed to both nations. Like the other three, Micah condemned the attitude of the wealthy, particularly the way in which they oppressed the poor with their actions. How long will it take? Inspiring quotes Reading time: 20 mins 1 In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s Short of time? Just read 1.1-7; 2.6-13; 6.1-8 house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised up above the hills. Peoples shall stream to it, 2 and many nations shall come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion Genre shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. Prophecy (Micah 4.1-2) But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. (Micah 5.2) Anything tricky? He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do As often with these kinds of books the trickiest justice, and to love kindness, and to walk feature is working out how to respond to the humbly with your God? reports of God’s anger and judgement.
    [Show full text]
  • The Book of Micah
    Charles Savelle Center Point Bible Institute 1 THE BOOK OF MICAH Message: The covenant violations of God’s people will be judged but He will also restore His people and rule them as their Shepherd. Author: According to the superscription, the author of the book is Micah of Moresheth. The name, probably a shortened form of the name Micaiah, meaning “Who is like Yahweh?”1 Moresheth is probably equated to Moresheth-gath, a village located in the Shephelah region of Judah (25 miles southwest of Jerusalem). Moresheth was strategically located on a key route into the hill country of Judah.2 The prophet Micah is also referred to in Jeremiah 26:18–19. Recipients: Micah states that his vision concerned Samaria and Jerusalem (1:1). However, the primary emphasis appears to be on Judah. Note how the prophet addresses Samaria in the third person (1:6–7) whereas the cities of Judah are addressed in the more direct second person “you” (1:11, 13–16). The prophet also associates his prophecies with the reigns of Judean (Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah), not Israelite kings (1:1). The fact that Micah was from Judah would also support the idea that Judah was the primary target. Dating: Micah lived and ministered around the eighth century.3 Therefore, the contents of Micah are generally assumed to be the eighth century. This date is established by the reigns of the kings mentioned (Jotham [750–735 B.C.], Ahaz4 [735–715 B.C.], and Hezekiah5 [715–686 B.C.]). This would then place Micah’s ministry somewhere between 750–686.
    [Show full text]
  • Prophetic Conflicts in Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Micah
    Forschungen zum Alten Testament 2. Reihe Edited by Konrad Schmid (Zürich) ∙ Mark S. Smith (Princeton) Hermann Spieckermann (Göttingen) ∙ Andrew Teeter (Harvard) 121 Francesco Arena Prophetic Conflicts in Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Micah How Post-Exilic Ideologies Created the False (and the True) Prophets Mohr Siebeck Francesco Arena, born 1987; BA in Ancient and Medieval Literature (University of Turin); MA in Religious Studies (University of Padua and University Ca’ Foscari – Venice); 2019 PhD in Hebrew and Old Testament Studies (University of Edinburgh). ISBN 978 3-16-159507-3 / eISBN 978-3-16-159508-0 DOI 10.1628/978-3-16-159508-0 ISSN 1611-4914 / eISSN 2568-8367 (Forschungen zum Alten Testament, 2. Reihe) The Deutsche Nationalbibliothek lists this publication in the Deutsche Nationalbibliographie; detailed bibliographic data are available at http://dnb.dnb.de. © 2020 Mohr Siebeck Tübingen, Germany. www.mohrsiebeck.com This book may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, in any form (beyond that permitted by copyright law) without the publisher’s written permission. This applies particularly to repro- ductions, translations and storage and processing in electronic systems. The book was printed on non-aging paper by Laupp & Göbel in Gomaringen, and bound by Buchbinderei Nädele in Nehren. Printed in Germany. To Elisa, For always being there. Superanda omnis fortuna ferendo est Preface This book is a revision of my doctoral dissertation, which was presented to the School of Divinity at the University of Edinburgh (UK) in 2019. When I was accepted as a candidate in Hebrew and Old Testament Studies at New College, my research ideas were quite nebulous (this, I am sure, will not come as a surprise to anyone familiar with doctoral research).
    [Show full text]
  • Hosea an Inspiring Quote the Book of Hosea Who Wrote This Book?
    Hosea The prophet Hosea in the 8th century BCE protested violently against Israelite religious practices. An inspiring quote “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6). The Book of Hosea Hosea came from the north and preached at the same time as Amos. He discovered the tenderness of God through personal experience. He loved his wife, although she behaved badly towards him; through his love he succeeded in restoring to her the feelings she had had when she was young. This is how God loves us: not because we are good, but so that we can become good (Hosea 1-3). The book begins with God’s command to Hosea to marry an unfaithful wife who he loved passionately and the first few chapters describe what happened when he did so. Chapter 4 onwards contains a range of messages from God via Hosea, first to the people of Israel (chapters 4-11) and then to the people of Israel and Judah (chapters 11-14), about the anger God felt because of their betrayal of him through injustice, corruption and their worship of other gods. Woven between these messages of doom are some messages of hope, pointing to what God’s people can look forward to beyond the times of trouble. Who wrote this book? The author is announced as Hosea in verses 1:1-2. He was a prophet to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Hosea, in Hebrew, means salvation but Hosea is popularly termed “the prophet of doom”.
    [Show full text]
  • The Reccnnition That Knowledge About the Bible Is Fundamental To
    DOCUMENT RESUME ED 049 239 TE 002 338 TITLE The Bible as Literature. INSTITUTION Broward County Board of Public Instruction, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. PUB DATE: 71 NOTZ 119p. EDRS PRICE EDRS Price MF-$0.65 HC-$6.58 DESCRIPTORS *Biblical Literature, Christianity, Cultural Background, History, Humanities, Judaism, Literature, *Literature Appreciation, Philosophy, Religion, *Secondary Education, Senior High Schools, *Study Guides, Western Civilization ABSTRACT The reccnnition that knowledge about the Bible is fundamental to understanding western cultural heritage, as well as allusions in literature, music, the fine arts, news media, and entertainment, guided the development of this elective course of study for senior high school students. Test suggestions, objectives, and lesson plans are provided for each of the 0.ght units: (1) Introduction and Historical Background; (2) The Apocrypha; (3) Biography and History As Literature in the New Testament; CO The Narrative; (5) Poetry in the Bible;(6) Wisdom Literature; (7) Drama--the Book of Job; and (8)Prophetic Literature of the Bible. Lesson plans within these units include goals, readings, and activities. A bibliography plus lists of audiovisual materials, film strips, and transparencies conclude this guide. (JMC) U.S. DEPARTMENT Of HEALTH, EDUCATION I WELFARE 0 OFFICE Of EDUCATION THIS DOCIIMENT HAS BEEN REPRODUCED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED FROM THE PERSON 01 ORGARIEATION ORIGINATING If PONT; Of CM OR ONIONS sun DO NOT NECESSAR'lf REPRESENT OffICIAL OFFICE OF EDUCATION POLITION OR POLICY 01 THE BIBLE AS LITERATURE THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA Benjamin C. Willis, Superintendent of Schoo's THE BIBLE AS LITERATURE THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA Benjamin C.
    [Show full text]
  • Micah – an Introduction
    THE BOOK OF MICAH – AN INTRODUCTION “Who is a God like You who...will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:18-19 Author: Micah “Who is like YHWH” (7:18) the son of Morsheth (1:1) (740-690BC) • Micah's hometown was Moresheth-gath, located about 25 miles southwest of Jerusalem in Judah (1:1) Date: Between 735-710BC • Micah’s ministry spanned approximately 20-25 years. This book is a summary of his messages during that time. • During the reigns of three Judean kings: Jotham (750–732BC), Ahaz (732–715BC), and Hezekiah (715–686BC). Audience: Micah was primarily a prophet to the Southern Kingdom of Judah • Micah directed his messages to the Southern Kingdom, but often described events in the Northern Kingdom • Micah is known as the prophet to the poor because he was their only voice in a day of gross injustice Micah’s Contemporaries • Hosea— N. Kingdom (733-701BC) – Ministered to Israel by exposing idolatry, which was the root of their sin • Amos— N. Kingdom (767-755BC) – Ministered to Israel by exposing injustice, which was the fruit of their sin • Isaiah—S. Kingdom (739-681BC) – Ministered within Jerusalem among the court of the kings • Micah—S. Kingdom (733-701BC) – Ministered outside Jerusalem among common peasants oppressed by the wealthy Purpose: to warn Judah of the coming judgment of Assyria and Babylon • Micah warned the people of Judah concerning their injustices and called them to repent or face great judgment. • Micah also stirred the nation’s hope in the Shepherd King who was to come and fulfill God’s covenant promises.
    [Show full text]
  • Understanding Micah's Lament for Judah
    7 Understanding Micah’s Lament for Judah (Micah 1:10–16) through Text, Archaeology, and Geography George A. Pierce George A. Pierce is an assistant professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University. artin Luther once stated that the prophets “have a queer way Mof talking, like people who, instead of proceeding in an orderly manner, ramble off from one thing to the next, so that you cannot make head or tail of them or see what they are getting at.”1 This is especially true for Micah 1:10–16, in which Micah’s prophetic lament employs several forms of Hebrew wordplay, termed paronomasia, a literary device found throughout the Old Testament that employs the phonology and meaning of words to give added emphasis to a persuasive argument.2 The prophets have the highest occurrences of this rhetorical device when compared to other genres in the Hebrew Bible, such as law, history, or wisdom literature, and in this passage, the wordplay of the prophet’s lament draws on the names of towns or villages in the rural Judean countryside to illustrate impending judgment and destruction. This chapter seeks to explicate the word- play Micah used in lamenting the cities around him by surveying the 162 George A. Pierce geographical and historical settings behind Micah’s oracle as related within biblical and Assyrian texts, by considering archaeological and geographic information, and by examining the mechanics of the text. Thus text, archaeology, and geography should not only give perspec- tive to Micah’s lament but also inform the potential application of the text in addition to the larger theological message of Micah for the modern reader.
    [Show full text]
  • Introducing and Reading Micah Stuart Love [email protected]
    Leaven Volume 17 Article 3 Issue 1 Micah 1-1-2009 Introducing and Reading Micah Stuart Love [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/leaven Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, Christianity Commons, and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons Recommended Citation Love, Stuart (2009) "Introducing and Reading Micah," Leaven: Vol. 17: Iss. 1, Article 3. Available at: http://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/leaven/vol17/iss1/3 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Religion at Pepperdine Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Leaven by an authorized administrator of Pepperdine Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Love: Introducing and Reading Micah Introducing and Reading Micah! STUART LOVE Alas for those who devise wickedness and evil deeds on their beds! When the morning dawns, they perform it, because it is in their power. They covet fields, and seize them; houses, and take them away; they oppress householder and house, people and their inheritance. 2.1-2 He has told you, 0 mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? 6.8 But as for me, I am filled with power, with the spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin. 3.8 Therefore because of you Zion shall be plowed as afield; Jerusalem shall become a heap of ruins, and the mountain of the house a wooded height.
    [Show full text]
  • Micah 1:1-9 a Set Up: Well, People of God!
    1 Message: Micah 1:1-9 A Set Up: Well, People of God! We’re leaving the Northern Kingdom behind, not in memory, of course, because as we’ll see even today, Israel comes up again and again and again. But we’re leaving it to what it’s wanted, which is to do what it wanted. Israel wanted to do what they wanted, no matter what it meant for them, even though they were told, dozens of times in dozens of ways, that it’ll mean their destruction. And it’s what they get. Today we’re starting our time in Micah, which is just full of amazing things to see...but we aren’t going to see many of them this morning. My hope for today is that we get a sense of what Micah was about, we understand the situation he was living under, and in the end we realize just how important this book is for us. First, of course, let’s pray. Prayer: 2 The Southern Kingdom: Remember that the Southern Kingdom was called Judah, after its largest territory-holding tribe, Judah. Only Judah and Benjamin, of Israel’s ancient tribes, made up the Kingdom. Levi had a few cities there, Simeon roved around. But it was basically Judah and Benjamin. Jerusalem was the Southern Kingdom’s capital, and once Israel, the Northern Kingdom, was crushed and sent into exile by Assyria, the Southern Kingdom inherits the responsibility that God hoped for his People. All the rest of the Minor prophets, and all the Major Prophets, are Southern Kingdom prophets.
    [Show full text]