OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF MICAH

By Gene McCarty

    The prophet Micah was a resident of the small village of Moresheth located in the hill country about 25 miles south-west of Jerusalem. His ministry spanned the reign of three kings from about 742 B.C. to 687 B.C. His prophesy displayed the destruction of the Jewish system of the day and proclaimed the coming of the Messiah. 

1. The book begins with the statement that this is the word of the Lord that has been given to the prophet. It is important that we note this statement and give proper value to it. In the 1st chapter we see the picture of the sins of Jerusalem and the comparison to those of Samaria. Because of these sins both Samaria and Jerusalem are to be destroyed, and the stones of the cities scattered throughout the valleys of the area. Since these people have been involved in idolatry and prostitution, the end of this period of history is soon.
    

2. The most mentioned theme of the 2nd and 3rd chapters is the constant search for prophets who will speak only good of this people. First the prophet is directed not to speak such evil words and then there is a discussion of the message that is acceptable and of the kind of prophets who chose to give such a message. Also revealed in this chapter is the fact that the Lord has a plan, and his plan will bring humility to the people.
    

3. Chapter 4 begins with the prophesy about the mountain of the Lord's temple being established, and continues to speak about the great victory to come to the whole world thru Jesus and his salvation and peace. The early part of the 5th chapter contains a clear prophesy of the Lord coming from Bethlehem, and the fact that Israel is to be abandoned until the child is to be born. The Lord says, "I will take vengeance in anger and wrath upon the nations that have not obeyed me."
    

4. The case against Israel is very serious, and the Lord challenges the people to make their defense. The question is asked, "With what shall we come before the Lord?" The obvious answer is righteousness and justice. The chapter concludes that the people have kept the statutes of Omri and the practices of Ahab's house and that destruction is the only end possible.
    

5. In the last chapter we see that the nation has come to a very sad state as man cannot trust his family or friends as there is no loyalty or love in Israel. This chapter does end with a ray of hope as the hope of the savior is still in the plan of God, and a concluding emphasis is that the Lord delights to show mercy.