The Minor Prophets are so named not because their messages were any less important or inspired but because their writings were shorter. Often God called them to deliver one specific message and then they went back to their vocation. We're in the process of looking at what makes these short books relevant and worth a closer look.Micah was another country boy, like Amos, called by God to deliver a harsh message, but, he preached to Judah while Amos preached to Israel. He was also a contemporary of Isaiah, and some scholars believe Micah delivered his message to the regular folks while Isaiah used his connections to address the upper class.
During Micah's day, there was relative peace and prosperity in Judah. However, the northern kingdom of Israel was about to fall to the Assyrians. A flood of folks were making their way south to escape the Assyrian threat, and bringing their Baal worship with them. A denunciation of idolatry is a major theme of Micah's message.
What to look for in Micah
The Case: The language and style of Micah is like that of an impassioned prosecutor making his case. Note the three times he uses the word "hear" (or "listen" in some translations) at the beginning of chapter 1, chapter 3 and chapter 6. Those mark off three sections, maybe three separate messages. What is the charge in each section? What evidence does he give? What hope does he offer the defendant, Judah?
The Last Days: (Or "that day" or the "latter days", especially in chapter 4) What will happen on "that day" or during those days?
The Lines: Micah 5:2 may be the most familiar verse in the book due to its Christmas message. How does it fit in context though? Another well-known verse is 6:8. It's quoted a couple of times in the New Testament. How does it fit in context?
Habakkuk is up next!
I like Micah. The analogy to him being a prosecutor definitely puts a new spin on it for me. Your “what to look for” in Micah will help provide a new angle to it, I’m sure.
And Habakkuk next week? Awesome–love Habakkuk.