“Look at the Book” is Bible Gateway’s series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. Micah predicts calamity for both Judah and Israel — but also assures them their remnant will be restored by a ruler from Bethlehem “when she who is in labor bears a son” (Mc. 5:3). (Remind you of anyone?)
Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.
Summary
The theme of Micah is God’s judgment and deliverance. He stresses that God hates idolatry, injustice, rebellion, and empty ritualism but delights in pardoning the repentant.
- Category: Prophets
- Theme: Faithfulness
- Timeline: Written between 735-710 BC
- Written: Attributed to Micah
Key Verse
“…and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” — Micah 6:8 (NIV)
Judgment and Mercy
The twin themes of judgment and mercy that characterize the prophetic writings derive from God’s perfect nature and character. He is a God of holy judgment for sin who, at the same time, shows merciful compassion.
Micah’s writings, and the glorious and specific promises of God’s compassionate Messiah, Jesus Christ, provide hope that God will indeed show compassion to his chosen ones.
7 Day Reading Guide
Here is a seven-day guide to the prophets Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and Haggai.
(See 30-day guide with all Minor Prophets below.)
- Day 1: Micah 1-2
- Day 2: Micah 3-4
- Day 3: Micah 5-7
- Day 4: Nahum
- Day 5: Habakkuk
- Day 6: Zephaniah
- Day 7: Haggai
A Prophet of Judah
While Israel was an occasional recipient of his words, Micah’s primary attention was directed toward the southern kingdom of Judah in which he lived.
Access the rest of the series. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference.
Chris Fann is the Senior Digital Marketing Manager for Harper Christian Resources. He loves the smell ofa baseball glove, coffee, and old books. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, 2 teenage boys, and their dog, Freya.
