Book of Micah

Who is like God and how to live.

The historical background and purpose of the prophet Micah

A prophet to both the southern and northern Kingdom at a time when the northern kingdom is being destroyed. Probably wrote the book himself. He prophesied during the reign of Jotham, Ahaz, Herzekiah   (750-686BC) SVB p.1181. He came from the countryside, close to Jerusalem, and prophesied, not so much about other countries. This distinguishes him from eg. Isaiah/Amos, who spoke much about other nations. (www.bibelsiden.no)

Micah means – “who is like God” – and it enlightens what he writes about in his book.

Can be divided into three sections. He uses poetry.

A.Judgment of God will come unless Israel stops sinning. Ch. 1-3

B. God's coming kingdom will bring abundant blessings and God's people will be blessed Ch. 4-5

People should repent before it is too late. Ch. 6-7

The elders quote Micah in Jeremiah  (ch26.18-) Because of this, lives was spared, and an epic moment of divine deliverance in the history of the people of Israel (spared Jerusalem) (from John´s lecture) 

Theme tracing:                                                                                                                                                                                               

What does the book show about the character and nature of God?                                                                                                                        

Judgment ch.2.3

He holds himself back because they are looking to false prophets, fortuneteller’s ch.3.5-7

He is a helper, savior and hears us ch.7.7 “ As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me”

He wants to do miracles for His people as He did when He rescued them from Egypt. Ch. 7.15

His presence makes his enemies tremble and fear ch.7.17

In the last verses Ch. 7.18-20,Micah writes this  - it is so well describes who God is, so I am quoting it directly:

Where is another God like you (Micah’s name), 
?

 who pardons the guilt of the remnant,


overlooking the sins of his special people?


You will not stay angry with your people forever,


because you delight in showing unfailing love.

Once again you will have compassion on us.


You will trample our sins under your feet


and throw them into the depths of the ocean!

You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love


as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago.

What does this book show about God´s redemptive plan for mankind?                                                                                                               

There is a distinct Messianic prediction in ch.5.2-5- salvation to come                                                                                                         

Jesus, the Messiah, will be born in Bethlehem. Matt. 2.1.

He gives word of hope and restoration in ch.2.12-13

Micah tells us he is filled with power and Holy spirit vs. Jesus is telling about the power and Holy spirit in Acts 1.8

All the nations of the world will stand amazed at what the Lord will do for His people. Ch. 7.16                                                                                                                                                       

Personal application:                                                                                                                                                                                        

Micah gives us good guidance about how to live: (No,)

O people,

The Lord has told you what is good,

and that is what he requires of you:

To do what is right, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Fear the Lord if you are wise.

Micah 6.8-9. So clear – I wrote it on a paper and hang it on the bathroom mirror for all of us to see.

Point of passion: ” To keep the reservation possibility for physicians in Norway, in matters of conscience”

Again my point of passion is about the cry from the voiceless, the protection of life – and that we are not to decide or choose whom to live – or to take lives. What about the future? In many places in Europe now it is practiced euthanasia. If GPs will not be able to opt out of this, we will not have many GPs again. It is important to get an awareness of this as Christian health workers  - and be willing to have a fair ethics discussion. Conscience is a guideline we have to deal with. And the verse in Micah 6.8-9 is direct into this area – be aware that God has a standard – he has told us what is good.