SCRIPTURE: MICAH 1
INTRODUCTION:
“Micah” means “who is like the Lord”. He lived in the countryside of Judah during the reign of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. Micah warned about God’s judgment against Jerusalem and Samaria because of the selfishness of their rulers, prophets and priests. But those who trusted in God will be restored. Micah presented the true picture of God who hates sin and loves the sinner. He predicted the destruction but also gave hope and consolation to all who repented and believed.
JUDGMENT AGAINST SAMARIA AND JERUSALEM (vs. 3-7)
- The mountains melt and the valley split apart. (v. )
- Stones will be poured into the valley of Samaria and lay bare her foundations. (v. 6)
- Her idols will be broken to pieces and all her temple gifts will be burned with fire. All images will be destroyed. (v. 7a)
- Her gifts were gathered from the wages of prostitutes, so they will again be used. (v. 7b)
WEEPING AND MOURNING (vs. 8-16)
PLACES THAT WILL HAVE WEEPING AND MOURNING:
- Judah and Jerusalem. (v. 9)
- Beth Ophrah (v. 10)
- Shaphir (v. 11a)
- Zaanan (v. 11b)
- Beth Ezel (v. 11c)
- Maroth (v. 12)
- Lachish (v. 13)
- Aczib (v. 14)
- Mareshah (v. 15)
THOUGHTS:
Micah gave three messages: (1)-the coming judgment (2)- the future kingdom, (3)-God’s invitation to turn to Him. His message is judgment mingled with mercy and hope.
Micah wept and mourned over the terrible things that would happen to the people. Do we also mourn over lost sinners and seek to win them to Christ?
Micah pictured the devastating sorrow of parents seeing their children being taken captive as slaves in a distant land. This happened when both nations were being conquered – Israel in 722 BC and Judah in 586 BC.
Micah declared God’s judgment on city after city because of the people’s sin. Two sins were rampant – the perversion of worship and injustice towards others.