Welcome to Bible Fiber where we are encountering the textures and shades of the prophetic tapestry in a year-long study of the twelve minor prophets, one prophet each month. I am Shelley Neese, president of The Jerusalem Connection, a Christian organization devoted to sharing the story of the people of Israel, both ancient and modern.
This week we are reading the last portion of Micah, chapters 6 and 7. Micah’s book opened with an image of Yahweh descending from his heavenly throne, marching down to earth like a plaintiff entering the courtroom. In this closing section, Yahweh is back in the courtroom with the prophet Micah, His counsel, delivering the terms of the covenant lawsuit. The trial begins: “Rise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the Lord, and you enduring foundations of the earth, for the Lord has a controversy with his people, and he will contend with Israel” (6:1-2).
Micah is a prophet to the Kingdom of Judah. At this point in history, there is no more Israel. But in Micah’s speeches and writing, he prefers using Judah’s covenant name, Israel, or the term “House of Jacob.” Micah is not merely exchanging the name Israel for Judah because they are synonymous. The prophet is establishing the antiquity of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and His people before he ever lays out Yahweh’s case against the nation.
