Page 138 - Advanced OT Survey Student Textbook

The Book of Jonah

Micah
Prophet: Micah, “Who is like YHWH,” from Moresheth-Gath (southwest of
Jerusalem)

Date: late 8th c. BC (ca. 750-700, Jer. 26:18)

Theme(s): Injustice in Judah

Message: In three cycles of speeches, Micah warns Judah of God’s judgment for their rampant injustice,
but he also foretells God’s restoration, re-gathering the exiles, reestablishing Davidic rule, and reviving
His blessings.

Cycle #1 Cycle #2 Cycle #3 Judgment: Captured Compensate (1:2-2:11) Luring his listeners, Micah
begins by announcing God’s imminent in breaking to judge Israel for their idolatry (1-7). He laments that
Israel’s sickness has spread to Judah (8-9). Because of their sin, God sends disaster: Judah will be
captured, taken into exile. With irony-place, Micah calls inhabitants to mourn, for exile is coming (10-
16). For their injustice, Micah foretells the imminent death of Judah: the oppressors will be oppressed-
devise, field, (1-5), for they will not be immune to God’s judgment-rise up (6-11)

Restored: Re-gathered (2:12-13) As their divine shepherd, God promises, in the future, to re-gather His
people, opening the way and leading them in their return from exile (12-13).

Judgment: Capital Crushed (3:1-12) Because of injustice among Judah’s rulers, God will not answer (1-
4). Because of false hope of their prophets, God will not speak (5-7). In contrast, God filled Micah with
power to confront sin (8). Because of injustice (ruler, priest, prophet), and reliance on rituals Micah
foretells the complete ruin of Jerusalem (9-12).

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