the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
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Bible Commentaries
Box's Commentaries on Selected Books of the Bible Box on Selected Books
Judgment Against Israel and Judah; Coming Desolation.Chapter 2
Woe to Oppressors; Promise of Restoration.Chapter 3
Judgment on False Leaders and Prophets.Chapter 4
Future Glory of Zion and Peace.Chapter 5
Prophecy of the Ruler from Bethlehem; Israel's Future.Chapter 6
God's Complaint Against Israel; Call to Justice.Chapter 7
Confession of Sin; Hope for Restoration.
- Micah
by Charles Box
God Will Punish Samaria and Judah
Micah One
Micah was a prophet of God. He was contemporary with Isaiah in the eighth century before Christ. He prophesied in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, concerning Samaria and Jerusalem. One of the most famous Old Testament verses is found in the book of Micah. Mic_5:2 says, "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." This prophecy was quoted to Herod by the rulers of the Jews to provide guidance for the wise men from the east. Micah pointed to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
This is an important book because it was "the word of the LORD that came to Micah." ( Mic_1:1 ) The prophet called upon the people to hear and hearken unto the message of the Creator. The prophet's teaching was designed to call people to repentance. He wanted the people to see how terrible their sins were in the eyes of God. The seriousness of sin is observed as God spoke to man from His holy temple. Judgment was coming because of the idolatry of the people. "For, behold, the LORD cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth." ( Mic_1:3 )
Micah wrote to warn Israel of God's impending judgment upon the people of for breaking His covenant and turning to idolatry. He likewise gave a similar warning to Judah. They were just as guilty as Israel and would be judged on the same terms. God's justice and love are observed as He disciplined the nations and His own people. The prophet also gave proof that God is concerned about the spiritual restoration of His people. He is willing to receive them back if they repent. Micah pictured God as the sovereign Lord of the earth that controls the destinies of heathen nations and of His own people, Israel.
