Lecture Notes: The Book of Micah

Introduction

• Micah's Background: Prophet from Moreshet in Judah, contemporary of Isaiah.
• Historical Context: Northern and southern kingdoms of Israel split; both violated covenant with God.
• Main Themes: Accusation, judgment, and hope.

Accusations and Warnings

Part 1: God's Judgment

• Imagery: God appearing over Israel like at Mount Sinai.
• Reason for Judgment: Over 500 years of rebellion.
• Specific Accusations:
  • Leaders' wealth from theft and greed.
  • Corruption among prophets, offering false protection for payment.

Part 2: Injustice Among Leaders

• Injustice Details:
  • Bribery and favoritism towards the wealthy.
  • Violation of Torah laws regarding land.
• Consequence: Oppressive nations to conquer northern kingdom and Jerusalem.

Promises of Hope

Restoration Imagery

• God as Shepherd:
  • Rescue and regather remnant of his people.
  • Bring them to good pasture, become their king.
• Temple Restoration:
  • Ruined temple will be exalted.
  • Jerusalem as a meeting place of heaven and earth.
  • Peace among all nations.

Future Hope and Messianic Expectations

Poems of Hope

• Assyrian and Babylonian Conquests: Israel conquered, exiled, and then restored.
• New Jerusalem:
  • Messianic king from David's line to be born in Bethlehem.
  • Rule over restored people.
• Final Justice: God removes evil, faithful remnant becomes a blessing.

Final Section: Judgment and Hope

Summary of Israel's Failures

• Economic Injustice: Destructive practices of leaders.
• Micah's Famous Words: Call to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

Concluding Hope

• Personification of Israel: Sitting in shame, awaiting God's mercy.
• Reasons for Hope:
  • God's character: forgiveness and mercy.
  • God's covenant promises: staying true to Jacob, covenant love to Abraham.

Conclusion

• Purpose of Judgment: Leads to hope; God's covenant love surpasses human evil.
• Final Imagery: God delights in covenant love, shows compassion, removes sins.