1. A Study in the Book of Micah
Ebenezer BFC
Summer, 2013

2. The character of Micah Obeyed God’s call to speak against sin
Did so even at great personal risk
Cried out to defend sound doctrine
Spoke in defense of the one true God
Cried out against social injustice and defended the poor and the oppressed
Zealous for the glory of God
Faithfully proclaimed God’s word
Followed God in the midst of harsh criticism, rejection and suffering
Devoted to God
Exhibited conviction, courage and fortitude in the face of obstacles

3. Characteristics of his writing
Contains some of the most beautiful and meaningful lines is scripture:
Micah 5:2-5
Micah 6:6-8
Yet it can be difficult to read and understand:
Language is at times perplexing and confusing
Easy to get lost in the mixture of judgment and mercy
Literary form and style:
Written over time as a strategically arranged anthology with a sense of chronology
Not a single sermon, rather his life’s work
Written in the style of Hebrew poetry
Summons to Hear Oracle of Doom Statement of Hope

4. Historical Background
Israel & Judah, The Northern and Southern Kingdoms

5. Micah 1:1- The Superscription
The word of the Lord that came to Micah of Moresheth in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.
Not much is known about Micah, only that he is from a small town about 25 miles southwest of Jerusalem
Prophesied during the reigns of
Jotham ( B.C.)
Ahaz ( B.C.)
Hezekiah ( B.C.)
Contemporaries were Isaiah, Amos and Hosea

6. Micah’s Preaching Micah had a long preaching career (~50 yrs.)
Spoke out against the sins of the Northern Kingdom
Preached against the sins of Judah (South)
He continues to warn Judah after attack
Speaks of their salvation and return

8. Major Emphases of Micah
Micah’s Message
Rebuking Sin
Warning of Consequences of Sin
Declaring God’s Goodness & Love

9. Micah Points to the Ultimate Salvation through Jesus Christ
Explicit prophesies about the coming of the Christ (e.g. Chapter 5)
Presents himself to us as a faithful prophet who is in the likeness of Jesus
Points us to Jesus by the coming judgment of Jerusalem

10. Course Goals- Applying Micah’s Messages to Our Lives Today
Like Micah, we may do great things in our lives for the glory of God
Break our hearts over our own sin
Lead us into deep repentance
Draw us closer to Jesus so that we may know:
The depth of his forgiveness
Fullness of his shepherding care
Greatness of his rule over us
Magnitude of his salvation and grace
Make us a people that strive for justice with loving mercy
Walk humbly with God

11. Homework Please consider and pray about your goals for this study
Read Micah Chapters 1-2