Micah 1:1~7:20
Micah, Sarah Barry
LOOK! THE LORD IS COMING.
Passage: Micah 1:1~16
Key verse: 1:3
Introduction to Micah
Micah of Moresheth, a town in the fertile foothills 25 miles southwest of Jerusalem, ministered during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Hosea was ministering to Northern Israel and Isaiah in Jerusalem in that same time period, about 750-700 B.C.. The nation of Assyria was growing in its rise as a world superpower, threatening the stability of the region, including Israel and Judah.
Micah prophesied the destruction of Israel because of rampant idolatry and injustice as a warning to his people in Judah through a series of three messages of judgment and hope, starting with "hear" or "listen" (1:2; 3:1; 6:1). In chapter 4, echoing Isaiah 2, Micah gives God's vision for Jerusalem, but before that can happen Judah must be cleansed of idolatry (5:13). Chapters 4-5 are the message of hope for the remnant people through God's raising of a ruler from Bethlehem (5:2).
The purpose of studying Micah is to find and do what the Lord requires as revealed in 6:8, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
God's vision for Samaria and Jerusalem (1:1-2)
1) God's judgment on Israel and Judah (1:3-2:13)
2) Blessing will follow judgment (3:1-5:15)
3) Indictment of sin and promise of blessing (6-7)
LOOK! THE LORD IS COMING.
Prayer: Father, you are Sovereign God who judges heart idols: money, success, pleasure. Help me worship you alone, for only you are worthy of worship.
One Word: God judges idolatry
Micah of Moresheth, a town in the fertile foothills 25 miles southwest of Jerusalem, ministered during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Hosea was ministering to Northern Israel and Isaiah in Jerusalem in that same time period, about 750-700 B.C.. The nation of Assyria was growing in its rise as a world superpower, threatening the stability of the region, including Israel and Judah.
Micah prophesied the destruction of Israel because of rampant idolatry and injustice as a warning to his people in Judah through a series of three messages of judgment and hope, starting with "hear" or "listen" (1:2; 3:1; 6:1). In chapter 4, echoing Isaiah 2, Micah gives God's vision for Jerusalem, but before that can happen Judah must be cleansed of idolatry (5:13). Chapters 4-5 are the message of hope for the remnant people through God's raising of a ruler from Bethlehem (5:2).
The purpose of studying Micah is to find and do what the Lord requires as revealed in 6:8, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
God's vision for Samaria and Jerusalem (1:1-2)
1) God's judgment on Israel and Judah (1:3-2:13)
2) Blessing will follow judgment (3:1-5:15)
3) Indictment of sin and promise of blessing (6-7)
LOOK! THE LORD IS COMING.
1. I will make Samaria a heap of rubble (1-7).
The Sovereign LORD in his temple is coming to bear witness against all people, and we are calling to hear his charges. His coming as Judge is dreadful. Jacob's transgression is manifest in Samaria, where their kings plotted and schemed, with no fear of God. While Judah worshiped God in Jerusalem, Israel served its idols. God was coming to destroy all her images through Assyria.
2. Samaria's plague spread to Judah (8-16).
Seeing this impending disaster distressed Micah to the point of howling and moaning like an animal. The plague of Samaria had spread throughout Judah, and God's judgment would follow. Using wordplay on the names of his neighboring villages, Micah warns them of impending disaster: 'shave your head in mourning!' Their children will all be taken to exile to Assyria.
Prayer: Father, you are Sovereign God who judges heart idols: money, success, pleasure. Help me worship you alone, for only you are worthy of worship.
One Word: God judges idolatry
