Name
The book of Micah (short for Micaiah) is named for its author, Micah, the Moreshite. Micah means, “Who is like Yahweh?”
Author
Micah, the Moreshite, received the word from the Lord (v. 1). Moresheth was a small town in Judah, about 25 miles southwest of Jerusalem.
Genre
Prophecy (the sixth of twelve books commonly referred to as the “Minor Prophets”).
Literary Form
Prophetic poetry except for the introduction in Micah 1:1.
Time Frame
Micah dates his prophetic ministry during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah kings of Judah (Jotham 750-735 B.C., Ahaz 735-715 B.C., Hezekiah 715-686 B.C.). Scholars estimate his prophetic ministry began about 740 B.C. and ended about 687 B.C.
Emphasis
The book of Micah is directed largely to the northern kingdom of Israel. It comprises three main sections, each of which begins with the phrase “Hear” or “Listen.”
- 1:1-2:13. The coming judgment and the corruption of the people
- 3:1-5:15. The blessings that will follow the judgment
- 6:1-7:20. The sins of the people and promised blessing
Outline
- The coming judgment (1:1-16)
- The cause of the judgment: oppressors (2:1-13)
- The cause of the judgment: corrupt leaders (3:1-12)
- The promise of restoration (4:1-5:15)
- The charges against the people (6:1-16)
- The corruption of the people (7:1-7)
- The forgiveness of sin and salvation (7:8-20)
