Highlights from the Book of Micah Treasures from God’s Word WT Library References Index Source Material ............................................................................... 1 Special Note .............................................................................................. 1 An Introduction to the Book of Micah........................................... 2 Summary of the Highlights of the Book of Micah ....................... 3 Wrongdoing of Israel and Judah is contrasted with Jehovah’s righteous requirements ............................................................................ 3 Jehovah’s judgments against Israel; Judah, too, will be affected ........ 3 Remnant will be regathered and true worship exalted ........................... 3 Micah – Outline of Contents .......................................................... 5 Why Beneficial ................................................................................ 5 Micah Waited on Jehovah – Micah 7:4 - Transcript Morning Worship .. 6 Treasures from God’s Word .......................................................... 9 WT Library Highlights .................................................................. 10 Treasures from God’s Word Chapters 1-7 What Does Jehovah Require of Us? ...................... 9 WT Library Reference Chapters 1-7 .................................................................................. 10 Highlights from the Book of Micah Source Material This material has been sourced from the 2016 Watchtower Library compact disk. Scriptures Included. Only verses that are explained in some way are included in the Scripture Index. Hence, if the material explains the meaning of the text, gives its background, tells why the text was written, or clarifies an original-language word and its implications, the text would be indexed, since the verse or part of it is explained. Scriptures that are used as proof texts but that are not explained are omitted. For example, Ezekiel 18:4 may be used merely to show that the soul dies. In this instance, the scripture would not be indexed, since no explanation of the text is given. Additional personal research is encouraged. Special Note Occasionally you will notice that in the Treasures from God’s Word section of our Meeting Workbook that references will appear that are not included in the Watchtower Library disk or on www.wol.jw.org when searching a particular scripture reference. Page 1 Index Micah Highlights from the Book of Micah An Introduction to the Book of Micah Micah was a prophet from the rural village of Moresheth in Judah. He foretold that devastation would come upon Israel and Judah. Micah’s familiarity with rural life is seen in the kind of illustrations he used. He served as a prophet for about 60 years, during the reigns of Judean kings Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, and he completed his book in Judah some time before 717 B.C.E. Hosea and Isaiah also recorded their prophesies during that time. Although the destruction of Jerusalem foretold by Micah occurred many years after his death, he probably lived to see the destruction of Israel's capital, Samaria. The Book of Micah has seven chapters. Chapters 1 and 2 disclose the revolt of Israel and Judah; the injustices committed, including those against women and children; Jehovah's warning that Samaria will become a heap of ruins, and God's promise that his people will return to Jerusalem and be gathered together like sheep in the pen. Chapters 3 to 5 contain Micah's denouncements of the leaders, the prophets and the priests for their wickedness and greed. As a result, Zion will be ploughed like a field and Jerusalem will become heaps of ruins. However, Micah also foretells that in the final part of the days true worship will be elevated above all false religion, and people of all nations will stream to the mountain of the house of Jehovah. Did you know? Jehovah inspired Micah to foretell that Bethlehem Ephrathah would be the birthplace of the Messiah. This was fulfilled when Jesus was born in that town. You can find this prophecy at Micah 5:2. Chapters 6 and 7 highlight the deplorable spiritual condition of the people. As if conducting a legal case, Jehovah requires his people to exercise justice, to cherish loyalty and to walk in modesty with him. But merchants ignore God's laws and cheat their brothers with fraudulent weights and scales. Micah also expresses his confidence that Jehovah will hear his pleas for justice and show loyal love toward his people. As you read the book of Micah notice how Jehovah asks of us only what is reasonable and beneficial; how Micah trusts Jehovah to carry out judgment against the wicked; and, how true worship will be restored to an elevated position by means of God's Kingdom. Page 2 Index Micah Highlights from the Book of Micah Summary of the Highlights of the Book of Micah A candid statement of the wrongdoing of Israel and of Judah, a forecast of desolation for Samaria and Jerusalem, and promises of restoration Covers a period leading up to and possibly following the desolation of Samaria in 740 B.C.E. Wrongdoing of Israel and Judah is contrasted with Jehovah’s righteous requirements Oppressors lie in bed, plotting to seize homes and fields; when day dawns, they carry out their schemes (2:1, 2) Unsuspecting passersby are robbed; women and children are victimized (2:8, 9) Those responsible for administering justice exploit the people as though they were animals (3:1-3) False prophets call out, “Peace!”—but they sanctify war against anyone that “does not put something into their mouths” (3:5) Judges, priests, and prophets are solely out for gain, yet they claim Jehovah’s support (3:9-11) Loyal ones are virtually nonexistent; princes and judges seek bribes, and not even family members can be trusted (7:1-6) Jehovah delivered his people from Egypt and guided and protected them; no amount of sacrificing will compensate for their revolt (6:3-7) He requires that his people exercise justice, love kindness, and walk modestly with him (6:8) Jehovah’s judgments against Israel; Judah, too, will be affected Jehovah’s judgment will result in Samaria’s being reduced to a heap of ruins; the disaster will reach even as far as Judah and Jerusalem (1:3-16) Calamity will come upon Israel; her fields will be apportioned to others (2:3-5) Jehovah will strike his people; they will eat but not get filled, they will sow seed but not enjoy any fruitage (6:13-16) Remnant will be regathered and true worship exalted The remnant of Israel will be gathered together “like a flock in the pen,” with their king before them and Jehovah ahead of them (2:12, 13) In the final part of the days, the mountain of Jehovah’s house will be exalted above the hills and people of many nations will stream to it; they will be taught by Jehovah and learn war no more (4:1- 4) The restored people will walk in Jehovah’s name; Zion will be strong before her enemies (4:5-13) A ruler will be born in Bethlehem who will shepherd in Jehovah’s name; under his rulership, the Assyrian will be driven back; the remnant of Jacob will be like refreshing dew and like a mighty lion (5:2-9) Jehovah will cleanse his people of idolatry and execute vengeance upon disobedient nations (5:10- 15) Page 3 Index Micah Highlights from the Book of Micah Rely on Jehovah; the rejoicing of the “woman enemy” will end as Jehovah’s repentant people receive his attention and experience wonderful things, filling observing nations with fear; Jehovah will forgive the sins of his people (7:7-20) Page 4 Index Micah Highlights from the Book of Micah Micah – Outline of Contents A prophetic book of the Hebrew Scriptures containing Jehovah’s word through Micah concerning Samaria and Jerusalem. It consists of three basic sections, each beginning with the word “Hear.”— Mic 1:2; 3:1; 6:1. Micah’s prophetic words regarding Samaria’s desolation must have been delivered before that city’s destruction in 740 B.C.E., and evidently his oral pronouncements were committed to writing before the close of Hezekiah’s reign. Deplorable moral conditions prevailed among the people of Israel and Judah in Micah’s time. The leaders oppressed the people, especially the poor. Judges, priests, and prophets were out for money. Idolatry, fraud, oppression, injustices, and bloodshed abounded. It was precarious to trust even confidential friends and family members.—Mic 1:7; 2:1, 2; 3:1-3, 9-12; 6:12; 7:2-6. The book of Micah candidly portrays the wrongs of Israel and Judah. While foretelling desolation for Samaria and Jerusalem on account of their transgressions (Mic 1:5-9;3:9-12), it also contains promises of restoration and divine blessings to follow.—4:1-8;5:7-9; 7:15-17. Why Beneficial Almost 2,700 years ago, the prophesying of Micah proved most ‘beneficial for reproving,’ for King Hezekiah of Judah responded to his message and led the nation to repentance and religious reformation. (Mic. 3:9-12; Jer. 26:18, 19; compare 2 Kings 18:1-4.) Today this inspired prophecy is even more beneficial. Hear, all professing worshipers of God, Micah’s plain warnings against false religion, idol worship, lying, and violence! (Mic. 1:2; 3:1; 6:1) Paul corroborates these warnings at 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, where he says that true Christians have been washed clean and that no one who indulges in such practices will inherit God’s Kingdom. Simply and clearly, Micah 6:8 states that Jehovah’s requirement is for man to walk with Him in justice, kindness, and modesty. Micah delivered his message among a people so divided that ‘a man’s enemies were the men of his household.’ True Christians often preach in similar circumstances, and some even meet with betrayals and bitter persecution within their own family relationship. Always they need to wait patiently on Jehovah, the ‘God of their salvation.’ (Mic.