Micah
“Who Is Like Yahweh?”
Summary
A prophet from Moresheth in Judah who prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, contemporary with Isaiah.
☩The Prophet
Micah (Hebrew: 'Who is like Yahweh?') was from Moresheth-gath in the Shephelah of Judah (Micah 1:1, 14). He prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (approximately 750-686 BC), making him contemporary with Isaiah in Judah and Hosea in Israel. Jeremiah later cited his influence on King Hezekiah (Jeremiah 26:18-19).
☩Bethlehem Prophecy
Micah delivered the remarkable prophecy of Messiah's birthplace: 'But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting' (Micah 5:2). When Herod inquired where Christ should be born, the chief priests quoted this passage (Matthew 2:4-6).
☩Famous Declaration
Micah's summary of true religion remains unsurpassed: 'He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?' (Micah 6:8). This verse encapsulates ethical monotheism—right relationship with God expressed in righteous conduct toward others.
☩Themes
Micah denounced social injustice: exploitation of the poor (Micah 2:1-2), corrupt leaders (Micah 3:1-4), and false prophets (Micah 3:5-8). He prophesied Jerusalem's destruction (Micah 3:12) yet also its future exaltation (Micah 4:1-4). His closing passage celebrates God's forgiving grace: 'Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity... He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea' (Micah 7:18-19).
