Micah prophesied in Judah during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (around 750-700 B.C.) This was a time of distinct poverty and wealth because the middle class of Israel had been exploited and thus smudged out ( I thought of the “Gilded Age”) . “Business” was booming for the rich and it wasn’t for the poor. But, this success, and wealth was not positive; the greedy landlords were oppressing the poor and plotting evil and malicious ways to gain wealth from the time they woke up (2:1) and these people were supported by Israel’s political and religious leaders. The religious leaders of Israel were leading people away from God, taking bribes and preaching and teaching in God’s name, for money instead of God. Consequently, this crookedness of the leaders trickled down to the rest of the nation and so the whole nation became morally corrupt and “ripe” for God’s judgment. And so, God sends his servant Micah.
Two Reasons to listen:
1) If you don’t understand God’s wrath and His hatred for sin you’ll never fully and properly understand the Gospel and God’s amazing love. If you don’t understand God’s love for you in Jesus than you’ll never be able to shake the guilt of think that God is against and hates you because you mess up, everyday.
2) So that you won’t stop praying for unsaved friends and family members and co-workers.
Here's a brief outline:
1) Chap1:1- 3:12 (Punishment and Retribution)
Prediction of Judgment
2) Chap 4:1-5-15 (Promise and Restoration)
Prediction of Restoration
3) Chap 6:1- 7:20 (Pardon and Repentance)
Plea for Repentance
"Micah- Who Is Like Our God!"
