Micah
Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah. Like Isaiah this prophecy is a
beautiful and moving example of Hebrew literature. “Isaiah was the court poet, while Micah was a
rustic from an obscure village. Isaiah
was a statesman; Micah, an evangelist and social reformer. Isaiah was a voice to kings; Micah, a herald
for God to the common people. Isaiah
addressed himself to political questions; Micah dealt almost entirely with
personal religion and social morality.” (Quote from Prof. Mitchell.)
He rigorously condemns Israel and Judah
because of their faulty leadership and great wickedness. He announces their punishment and prophesies
a subsequent restoration to God’s favor.
Somewhat unique is Micah’s condemnation of many social sins rather than
the sin of idolatry.
The name “Micah” means “who is like YAHWEH.” Micah lived at Moresheth. His message was primarily to Judah but also
speaks to Samaria. His style is pungent,
personal, rapid and vivid. He is often
said to be “Isaiah in shorthand.” He was
contemporary with Kings Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah and prophets Hosea and
Isaiah. He was a great social reformer.
The theme of Micah
is that the sin of the chosen people will not prevent the accomplishment of God’s
purpose through them. Here is an outline
of Micah:
·
The message to the Nations, Ch. 1-2
·
The message to the Rulers, Ch. 3-5
·
The message to the People, Ch. 6-7
Habakkuk
(Our post on Nahum is lengthy so we will
handle it in our next post.)
This book is not a prediction or a condemnation
of sin so much as it is a complaint.
Unlike the other prophets, Habakkuk does not address either his own countrymen
or a foreign people. He directs his
speech to God alone. His main burden is
the solving of a very perplexing problem – Why was God silent when wickedness
prevailed on every hand? Men were
defying God and getting away with it.
Habakkuk has often been referred to as the “Free-Thinker
among the Prophets” because he actually questions the government of God. He could not reconcile a good and righteous
God with the facts of life as he saw them.
We know nothing
about the prophet but his name. He may
have been a musician in the temple. He
prophesied probably from 626-597 BC, just before the Babylonian invasion. The theme of Habakkuk is “the just
shall live by faith” (2:4; cf. Rom. 1:19; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38). Here is an outline of Habakkuk:
·
Faith tested, Ch. 1
·
Faith taught, Ch. 2
·
Faith triumphant, Ch. 3
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