Topical Bible: Micah: One of the Minor Prophets: Prophesies the Coming of the Messiah

◄ Micah: One of the Minor Prophets: Prophesies the Coming of the Messiah ►

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Introduction:
Micah, a prophet from the town of Moresheth in Judah, is one of the twelve Minor Prophets in the Old Testament. His prophetic ministry occurred during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, approximately between 750 and 686 BC. Micah's messages are characterized by a deep concern for social justice, true worship, and the coming of the Messiah. His prophecies address both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, emphasizing God's judgment and mercy.

Historical Context:
Micah's ministry took place during a tumultuous period in Israel's history. The Northern Kingdom was facing imminent destruction by the Assyrian Empire, while the Southern Kingdom was experiencing moral and spiritual decay. The social injustices, idolatry, and corruption among the leaders and people of Judah were rampant, prompting Micah to call for repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness.

Themes and Messages:
1. Judgment and Justice:
Micah's prophecies begin with a declaration of judgment against Samaria and Jerusalem for their transgressions. He condemns the leaders and false prophets for exploiting the people and perverting justice. Micah 3:11 states, "Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, 'Is not the LORD among us? No disaster will come upon us.'"

2. Call to Repentance:
Despite the impending judgment, Micah calls the people to repentance, urging them to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Micah 6:8 encapsulates this call: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

3. The Coming of the Messiah:
One of the most significant aspects of Micah's prophecy is the foretelling of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem. Micah 5:2 proclaims, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me one to be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." This prophecy is seen as a clear prediction of the birth of Jesus Christ, affirming His divine nature and eternal existence.

4. Restoration and Hope:
Micah also speaks of a future restoration for Israel, where a remnant will return, and peace will be established under the reign of the Messiah. Micah 4:3-4 envisions a time when "He will judge between many peoples and arbitrate for strong nations far and wide. Then they will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation, nor will they train anymore for war. And each man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, with no one to frighten him, for the mouth of the LORD of Hosts has spoken."

Legacy and Influence:
Micah's prophecies have had a lasting impact on both Jewish and Christian traditions. His call for justice and righteousness continues to resonate, and his messianic prophecy is seen as a pivotal link between the Old and New Testaments. The fulfillment of Micah's prophecy in the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is celebrated in the Christian faith as a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan for humanity.

Nave's Topical Index

Micah 4:1
But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow to it.
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Micah 5:1
Now gather yourself in troops, O daughter of troops: he has laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod on the cheek.
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Library

Isaiah.
... Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel and Daniel. (2) The minor prophets, including the
other twelve. ... Micah is an example. ... One should learn what is said of each. ...
/.../gerberding/the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xv isaiah.htm

The Prophet Joel.
... stand the test; for none of the other Minor Prophets is found ... time after Joel, is
the passage in Micah, chap. ... devastated the whole of Palestine from one end to ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet joel.htm

A vision of the Latter-Day Glories
... flow unto it.""Isaiah 2:2., & Micah 4:1. ... missionaries, where the old activity that
made minor idolatries bow ... a mountain, is a volcano"not one that spouts ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/a vision of the latter-day.htm