The book of Micah opens with: “The word of the Lord that came to Micah of Moresheth in the days of Kings Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem” (1:1). Half the Minor Prophets have historical superscriptions in their introductions, but Micah’s is the fullest in detail. Superscriptions are helpful in our reconstruction of the historical, political, and religious environments that shaped the messages of the prophets. We know a good bit about the reigns of these kings from the books of Kings and Chronicles, and we know a good bit about the Assyrian political scene because of their numerous records. So, first, let me paint the historical backdrop for Micah’s world.
With Micah’s ministry overlapping King Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, he dates anytime between 740—690 BCE. Most likely though, from historical clues in his text, his main ministry lasted from 722—701 BCE, uttering the bulk of his prophecies during the reign of Hezekiah.. Around this same time, Hosea and Amos were prophesying in Israel and Isaiah was in Jerusalem. Micah seems to be on the backend of these other prophets. Considering all that was coming for Israel and Judah, God had to speak extra loud at this time. One interesting thing to note is that Micah’s superscription does not name the contemporary kings of Israel at the time of his ministry, probably because they were considered illegitimate.
Micah ministered in Jerusalem, even though he was from Moresheth, a rural town 25 miles outside Jerusalem. His prophecies are directed at both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. He often references both of them as Israel, treating the divided kingdom as if it were still a unified whole.
