Micah 1-7

Introduction

Micah means “who is like Jehovah.”

Micah was contemporary with Isaiah, which we can see by comparing the kings mentioned in both books.

Micah primarily prophesied to the poor and downtrodden, from about 735 B.C.

God’s judgment on Samaria and Judah with a ray of hope for salvation for a remnant (Micah 1-3)

Messianic hope (Micah 4-5)

Micah 4:1-3 – Compare Isaiah 2:2-4.

Micah 4:3-5 – God’s kingdom would be peaceful, not defended with carnal weapons. II Corinthians 10:4-5

Micah 4:4 – Christians have more power than Satan. We can resist him!

Micah 5:2 – Jesus would come out of Bethlehem and be eternal (deity – see John 1:1).

Micah 5:7-9 – We should be as dew from the Lord, like showers on the grass. This is referring to the positive influence the righteous should have on those around them.

Micah 5:8 – See Proverbs 28:1. The righteous will be bold like a lion, standing in truth. II Corinthians 10:4-5.

God has a controversy with Israel (Micah 6)

Micah 6:1-5 – Israel had no gratitude for God’s blessings.

Micah 6:6-8 – It is possible to do the right things in worship and still not be saved. God wants a right life, not ritual.

Penitent prays and the divine promise (Micah 7)

Micah 7:1-6 – Confession of the people’s guilt.

Micah 7:14 – Prayer for God’s blessings.

Micah 7:15 – God would show them marvelous things!

Micah 7:16 – Nations will be confounded at the might of the righteous. Proverbs 28:1; II Corinthians 10:4-5

Micah 7:18-20 – God delights in mercy and will pardon iniquity. Hebrews 8:12

Lessons for us:

God requires us to live righteously. We must be merciful and walk humbly with God.

The holiness of God and righteousness of God must be stressed today.

Ritualistic keeping of commandments is not sufficient for salvation.

Next up: Zephaniah