MICAH

Introduction

Micah prophesied in Judah during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (about 750—700 b.c.), at about the same time as Isaiah. It was a time of prosperity, and Micah denounced the wealthy, who were oppressing the poor, and warned of impending judgement. The northern kingdom actually fell during Micah's ministry, in 722, and Judah almost fell in 701 (2 Kings 18—20). The book contains three sections, which alternate between words of warning and messages of hope. Micah told of a day when there would be peace among all nations, who would then be able to “beat their swords into ploughshares” (4:3), and of a royal deliverer who would save God's people from all their enemies. This deliverer would be born in Bethlehem (5:2).