By Barnard C. Taylor
1. AUTHOR. — Micah, a native of Moresheth, near Gath, which belonged to the territory of Judah.
2. DATE. — During the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, 758–700 B. C.
3. PLACE. — He belonged to the kingdom of Judah, and perhaps most of his prophecies were delivered amid the assemblies at Jerusalem.
4. HISTORICAL OCCASION. — The time of the great wickedness of the people of Judah, especially during the reign of Ahaz. The prophet saw that the sins of his people would result in their punishment. The kingdom of Israel was very near its end.
5. LEADING TOPICS. — Condemnation of Israel and Judah because of their great wicked ness, the announcement of their punishment, and the promise of subsequent restoration to God's favor. Micah condemns the prevalence of many social sins rather than idolatry.
6. CHIEF PURPOSE. — To show that the purpose of God to have a people in the earth and to manifest through them his redemptive grace would not be prevented, although his chosen people must be punished for their sins.
7. GENERAL ANALYSIS.
8. POINTS OF ESPECIAL INTEREST. — The destruction of Samaria; captivity of Judah; Gentiles to turn to Jehovah; acceptable approach to God; formal religion condemned; God's compassion.
9. SPECIAL SINS CONDEMNED. — Oppression, avarice, bribery, covetousness, deception, treachery among the Israelites.
10. NATIONAL HOPES. PRESENTED. — A remnant to be gathered; Zion to be pre- eminent; the house of David to be established. 100 Micah.
11. MESSIANIC IDEAS. — Israel to be gathered, with a king as its leader; a ruler to come from Bethlehem; all nations to recognize the supremacy of the worship of Jehovah.
12. RELATION TO OTHER O. T. BOOKS, — Micah is closely related to Isaiah in time, circumstance, and purpose. The prophet sees that the sins of his people must result in their punishment, and that by it there shall come forth a purified remnant. The visitation by Jehovah, declared by Joel, dwelt upon by Amos and Hosea, is further emphasized by Micah. It may be that the prophet Isaiah was influenced by Micah.
13. TOPICS FOR SPECIAL STUDY. — The condition of the kingdom of Israel in the days of Micah; the extent to which one prophet quotes from another.
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