Micah was a prophet in Judaism and is the author of the Book of Micah. He was a contemporary of the prophets Isaiah, Amos and Hosea. Jeremiah, who prophesied about thirty years after Micah, recognized Micah as a prophet from Moresheth. Micah prophesied during the reigns of kings Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah.
Micah's messages were directed chiefly toward Jerusalem. He prophesied the future destruction of Jerusalem and Samaria, the destruction and then future restoration of the Judean state, and he rebuked the people of Judah for dishonesty and idolatry.
Micah felt that there were no righteous people, and there was no justice in the land (Micah 7:2). The judges accepted bribes (Micah 7:3), the rulers oppressed the poor (Micah 3:1–3), and the priests were easily bought (Micah 3:11). Israel’s behavior was unacceptable, and Micah told the people that they were without excuse, and that they must be disciplined for their injustice. Having been schooled by the other Old Testament documents they had at the time, the people should have been fully aware of their sins, as God had directed that men were to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with Him. As man did not meet God’s expectations, He would punish them. However, He also revealed, that He Himself would rule Israel with justice someday.
Micah declared that God promised that He would rule in justice (Micah 4:3), show mercy (Micah 7:19), and lead the people in the ways of God (Micah 5:4).
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