Micah was a prophet to both Israel and Judah during the 8th century BC. His message confronted corrupt leaders, exposed false religion, and pointed to a coming ruler from Bethlehem. At its heart is one of Scripture's most memorable summaries of what God desires.
The Prophet and His Time
Micah prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah—a time of prosperity masking deep spiritual decay. While the wealthy accumulated land and power, the poor were oppressed. Religious rituals continued while justice was perverted.
"Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord GOD be witness against you." — Micah 1:2
God's Case Against His People
Against the Leaders (Chapter 3)
"Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; Is it not for you to know judgment? Who hate the good, and love the evil." — Micah 3:1-2
Leaders who should have protected the vulnerable instead devoured them.
Against False Prophets (3:5-7)
"Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err."
Prophets who told people what they wanted to hear would be silenced.
Against Religious Hypocrisy
The people continued their sacrifices while practicing injustice:
"Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil?" — Micah 6:7
External religion without heart change means nothing to God.
The Mountain of the Lord (Chapter 4)
Amidst judgment, Micah paints a beautiful picture of future restoration:
"But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains." — Micah 4:1
Nations will stream to learn God's ways. Swords will become plowshares. War will be no more.
The Ruler from Bethlehem (5:2)
One of the clearest Messianic prophecies in Scripture:
"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 verse guided the Magi to find the infant Jesus. The eternal Son would come from this small village.
What the Lord Requires (6:6-8)
This passage is the heart of Micah's message:
"Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" — Micah 6:6-7
The questions escalate from simple offerings to extreme sacrifice. What does God want?
"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" — Micah 6:8
To Do Justly
Justice means treating others fairly, standing up for the oppressed, and conducting business honestly. It's not passive fairness but active righteousness.
To Love Mercy
The Hebrew word "chesed" refers to loyal, covenant love. We are to not merely show mercy when required but to love mercy—to delight in compassion and kindness.
To Walk Humbly with God
This encompasses our relationship with God—ongoing, intimate, marked by humility rather than pride or self-sufficiency.
The Balance of the Three
These three requirements work together:
- Justice without mercy becomes harsh legalism
- Mercy without justice enables injustice
- Both without humility become human effort apart from God
- Humble walking with God empowers both justice and mercy
Who Is Like God? (7:18-20)
Micah's name means "Who is like the LORD?" The book ends answering that question:
"Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy." — Micah 7:18
God is incomparably merciful. He:
- Pardons iniquity
- Passes over transgression
- Delights in mercy
- Will be faithful to His ancient promises
Applying Micah Today
Examine Your Religion
Is your faith merely external ritual, or does it produce justice, mercy, and humble walking with God?
Pursue Justice
Do you treat others fairly? Do you speak up for the oppressed? Is your business conduct honest?
Love Mercy
Do you extend compassion to those who don't deserve it? Do you delight in showing kindness?
Walk Humbly
Is your walk with God ongoing and intimate? Are you marked by humility before Him?
Micah calls us beyond empty religion to a life that reflects God's character—doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God.