Why
the Book of Micah is important:
The Book of Micah is important because it foretells of Jesus' birth and describes His eternal nature and what the future of the world will be like under the reign of the Prince of Peace. Micah was a prophet of God to Israel and Judah during the time of the kings of Judah: Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, and the last two kings of Israel, Pekah and Hoshea. Micah was a simple man who lived during the same time as Isaiah who was a prophet of high social standing and was a counselor of kings. The Book of Micah is a prophetic narrative that presents a picture of the dark moral condition of Israel and Judah; yet the book also foretells of the eventually establishment of a Messianic kingdom in which righteousness will prevail in a millennial kingdom in which many nations will live together with one another in peace and security. The book presents two significant predictions: First is of judgment on Israel and Judah, and second is the restoration of God's people in the millennial kingdom. Micah's prophesies of judgment and restoration inspire both fear and hope. His prophecy presents a courtroom scene in which God's people stand trial before their Creator for turning away from Him. In this scene, God reminds the people of His goodness to them and how He cared for them while they cared only for themselves. The book concludes with Micah's call on the Lord as his only source of salvation and mercy, and it points toward an everlasting hope in the everlasting God. Chapter 1 Micah prophesied of impending calamity and destruction of Israel. Chapter 2 describes the sins that brought on the calamity. In their wickedness they refused to hear the prophets and therefore they were led into captivity. Chapter 3 describes the sins of the rich and of those in authority and foretells of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. Chapter 4 describes the Jews being taken away as captives to Babylon; but that eventually that would be followed by a promised restoration of the city Zion and glory of Israel in peace, prosperity, and with spiritual blessings. Chapter 5 prophesies of a future messianic king and foretells where and when Yeshua-Jesus Christ would be born. Chapter 6 presents God's charge to Israel, which is one of the most memorable verses in the entire Bible: He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Chapter 7 describes the lamentations and patience with which the righteous must wait for a better time, and it describes how God will eventually have mercy on them and restore them. View an index of Old Testament books
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