Purpose

To condemn social injustice and announce both judgment and hope through the coming Messiah.

Author

Micah of Moresheth was a contemporary of Isaiah who prophesied to both Israel and Judah. He was from a small town and spoke for the common people against the corruption of the wealthy and powerful.

Historical Context

Written: 735-700 BC. The reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, marked by social injustice and religious corruption.

Significance

Prophesied the Messiah's birthplace and summarized true religion in one verse.

Key Themes

Justice, Messiah, Judgment, Restoration, Humility

Interesting Facts

• Micah prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)
• He gave the Bible's clearest definition of true religion: 'do justice, love mercy, walk humbly' (6:8)
• Micah was quoted 100 years later to save Jeremiah's life

Prophecies

• The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) Fulfilled: Jesus' birth in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:6) (700 years later)

Micah chapter 7 serves as a poignant conclusion to the prophet’s message of judgment and hope. The chapter opens with Micah's lamentation, expressing deep sorrow over the moral decay of the people, comparing their state to a harvest where there is nothing left to gather. He observes that the righteous have perished, and there is widespread corruption among the leaders and citizens alike, who are engaged in betrayal and deceit. In verses 1-6, Micah paints a grim picture of social injustice, where trust has eroded even among families, emphasizing the pervasive wickedness that has taken root in society. However, amidst this despair, Micah shifts his focus in verses 7-20, expressing his personal resolve to look to the Lord for salvation. He acknowledges his own sinfulness yet remains hopeful for vindication. The prophet declares that even in darkness, the Lord will be his light, demonstrating faith in God's eventual justice. In verses 11-13, Micah prophesies a future restoration where God will expand the boundaries of His people and gather them from far and wide, indicating a time of revival and renewal after judgment. The chapter crescendos with a powerful expression of God's grace and mercy in verses 18-20, where Micah extols the Lord's capacity to forgive iniquity and show compassion to His remnant. The imagery of casting sins into the depths of the sea illustrates the completeness of God's forgiveness. Micah concludes with a reaffirmation of God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Jacob and Abraham, underscoring that despite the dire circumstances, God’s love and commitment to His people remain steadfast. This chapter encapsulates the dual themes of judgment and hope, emphasizing that while sin leads to downfall, God's mercy offers a path to redemption.