Bible Book Introduction • English

Introduction to Micah

Micah was just a countryman who lived in a small village in Judea, about 20 miles southwest of Jerusalem near Gath (Micah 1:14). He prophesied during the reigns of kings Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah, at the same time that Isaiah was a prominent prophet in Jerusalem. Micah exposed the sins of both the kingdoms of Judah and Israel, and boldly proclaimed the destruction of Israel (1:6-7), as well as of Jerusalem and the Temple (3:12). He also foretold Judah's restoration. Undoubtedly, Hezekiah found the prophecies of both Isaiah and Micah about the Israelites' promised restoration of great comfort (Isaiah 1:1; 62:1-12; Micah 1:1; 7:11-20). Micah also gave a remarkable prophecy, not only that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, but also concerning His eternal existence (5:2).

The Book of Micah closes with a message of hope, declaring the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant blessing God had promised to Abraham (7:20). Micah's prophecy confirms that without exception God requires obedience to His Word: 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).

Bible Book List