Micah

Purpose
Micah purpose, stated bluntly in 3:8, was to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin. He ministered primarily to Judah though Samaria is also mentioned. Like Amos in Israel, Micah focused on Judahs failure to uphold justice in their society.

Authorship & Genre

Micah was a contemporary of the prophet Isaiah, and both ministered in Judah during the time of Assyrias conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel.

Key Verse
Micah 6:8: He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? (NASB)

Structure
1 2 3 5 7 7 Message 2: Hear now, heads Message 3: Hear now what Message 1: Hear, O Peoples of Jacob the Lord is saying Promise of Restoration Promise of Restoration Promise of Restoration Indictment Against the Leaders Indictment Against the People Indictment Against the Nation

Theological Theme
Legalism: Micah indicts Judah for its adherence to outward rituals as a means to please God while neglecting true matters of the heart with which God is actually concerned. Sincere Worship: Micahs statement of what the Lord requires (6:8) does not refer to requirements of salvation, but rather the solution to Israels legalism and injustice. Deliverer: Micahs three messages of judgment are all punctuated with promise of deliverance. He looked ahead to the seed of David who would restore justice in Israel and gave specific revelation that this person would come from Bethlehem and hinted at His divine nature (5:2).