Prophetic Profile: Micah

Information on Micah’s background is sparse. His family lineage is not mentioned. We know that he came from Moresheth-gath in Judah, and that he was a contemporary of Isaiah. His prophetic ministry took place from 733-701 BC, and he spoke against the leaders and rulers of both Israel and Judah. He was angered by the ruling elite and religious authorities’ complacency, idolatry and selfishness.

The Northern Kingdom was beginning a downward spiral after a peak of prosperity. During Micah’s ministry, Israel saw a tumultuous turnover in leadership, with six kings ruling in the roughly 40 years prior to 722. Zechariah and Shallum reigned for a total of 7 months, and both “did evil.” (2 Kings 15:8-16) Menahem's ten year rule is summarized in five verses (2 Kings 15:17-22). Pekahiah rules two years, followed by the relatively long term twenty-year reign of Pekah (2 Kings 15:23-31). All do evil in the sight of the Lord. Hoshea has the unfortunate pleasure of ruling when Israel is exiled, and the caveat that while he did evil, it was not as bad as those before him (2 Kings 17:1-41). Hoshea falls into a vassal relationship with Assyria. When he seeks Egypt’s support, paying tribute to Egypt but disregarding Assyria, Israel is conquered by Assyria in return. This is the political explanation for Israel’s fall but 2 Kings goes on to say that this is a direct result of Israel’s idolatry.

Micah witnessed the conquering of the North by Assyria (722), and the influx of refugees from Israel to Judah. In the Southern Kingdom, Jotham’s (750-731) generally good rule is coming to and end as Micah comes on stage (2 Kings 15:32-38). Judah, too, has experienced an influx of wealth and prosperity, coupled with corruption and apostasy. Following Jotham, Ahaz reigns from 735 for sixteen years (2 Kings 16:3, 2 Chronicles 28:2-4). Ahaz’s reign is characterized by the institution of evil practices. After pressure from Israel, Ahaz seeks Assyria to stave off his Northern brethren, and becomes trapped in tribute to Assyria in return.

Hezekiah rules from 729-686, and his obedience to the Lord postpones Judah from Israel’s fate (2 Kings 18:1-20:21, 2 Chronicles 29:1-32:33). Seeking the Lord, Hezekiah listens to Micah (2 Chronicles 29:1-31:20) and Isaiah. He institutes reforms in Judah, drawing the Southern Kingdom away from idolatry and encouraging their return to the Lord. And though Assyria advances on Judah, Jerusalem is thus spared from destruction. However, Hezekiah shows off his fortunes to the king of Babylon’s envoys, failing to give the glory to the Lord.

It is against this backdrop that Micah prophecies the exile of both the Northern and Southern kingdoms. Judah observes Israel’s exile. Hezekiah takes heed. But in Micah’s eyes, the religious establishment and the people of Judah implement Hezekiah’s reforms superficially; there is no true change of heart, and their fate will be that of Israel’s.

Micah’s poetic prophetic speeches speak of the Day of Judgment, hope of redemption, and the establishment of the Kingdom of God and his Messiah. The Day of Judgment shocked Micah’s listeners, who could not grasp that God would bring his Kingdom about by banishing his covenant people. The religious elite of the day could not understand Micah’s prophecies that Jerusalem would fall. They felt it deserved protective status despite their disregard for the Lord. Micah did not end with God’s judgment on Israel and Judah but extended this to all nations (7, 16-17).

He also doesn’t end in judgment. The hope of redemption for the remnant of God’s chosen people is found in the Davidic Messiah who will come from Bethlehem (5). This will encompass a restoration of all things; exiles, creation, Jews and Gentiles. The Kingdom of God, with blessings and security for the children of God, will include Gentiles.