Key word: Listen
Micah as a prophet contemporary with Isaiah who ministered to both Judah and Israel. He has three messages from God to deliver, each beginning with the word “hear”. The first message is to the people of Israel (chapters 1-2) (1:2). It is a warning of coming judgment, a call to repent, and a promise of hope. As a matter of fact, at the end of each sermon is a message of hope (cf 2:12-13).
The second prophecy (chapters 3-5) is directed to the leaders of Israel (3:1). They hate good and love injustice. But even so there is hope, for a kingdom is coming in the last days (4:1-8), and a Savior, born in Bethlehem, will ultimately be its ruler (5:2). This is the best-known verse in Micah and is quoted in Matthew 2:6 and John 7:42.
The final message (chapters 6-7) is actually directed to the mountains (6:2), which will listen to the Lord’s case against Israel. The Lord has two indictments against Israel:
1. They have forgotten what He had done for them (6:3-8).
2. They had forgotten His requirements (6:6-8). They thought the Lord would be pleased with abundant religious acts. But while they followed the rituals, they missed the heart of God (v. 8). This verse is posted in the reading room of the Congressional Library in Washington, and must be our key verse.
The final chapter begins in sorrow as Micah is a miserable man as he observes the defiance of Israel (7:1-2). But he has hope that the Lord will eventually right these wrongs (7:7). His hope rests, not in his circumstances but in the nature of God (7:18-20).
Key verse: Micah 6:8 – “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord requires of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
