
What does Micah mean in the Bible?
Micah is the name of several people in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), and means "Who is like God?" The name is sometimes found with theophoric extensions. The name is sometimes found with theophoric extensions.
Is Micah a prophet?
Micah was given a word from the Lord about the future of Samaria and Jerusalem (Micah 1:1). He is sixth in the order of those we call Minor Prophets, so called because their writings are comparatively short. It was the prophet Micah who foretold of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:6). His is a message of both hope and doom, declaring the lovingkindness of God toward those who repent and turn to Him (Micah 7:18–19).
What was the prophet Micah known for?
What is Micah known for? Micah (active 8th century B.C.), a prophet of ancient Israel, is traditionally known as the author of the biblical book bearing his name. The Book of Micah is always placed sixth in the list of the 12 Minor Prophets. Micah was a later contemporary of the prophets Hosea and Isaiah. When did the prophet Micah write his book?
Who was the prophet Micah from the Bible?
Who Was Micah? Little is known about the personal life of the prophet Micah ( Michah ). He came from a town called Moreshet, and was therefore called Morashti. He lived during the reign of king Jotham of Judah, and succeeding kings, about 150 years before the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonian hosts.

Who is the author of the book of Micah in the Bible?
According to the Hebrew Bible, Micah (Hebrew: מִיכָה הַמֹּרַשְׁתִּי Mīḵā hamMōraštī "Micah the Morashtite") was a prophet in Judaism and is the author of the Book of Micah. He is considered one of the Twelve Minor Prophets of the Hebrew Bible and was a contemporary of the prophets Isaiah, Amos and Hosea.
What is the biblical meaning of Micah?
Who is like God?Micah (/ˈmaɪkə/; Hebrew: מִיכָה, Modern: Mikha, Tiberian: Mîḵā) is a given name. Micah is the name of several people in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), and means "Who is like God?" The name is sometimes found with theophoric extensions.
When did the book of Micah was written?
Composition. Some, but not all, scholars accept that only chapters 1–3 contain material from the late 8th century prophet Micah. The latest material comes from the post-Exilic period after the Temple was rebuilt in 515 BCE, so that the early 5th century BCE seems to be the period when the book was completed.
What is the book of Micah talking about?
Micah describes God's coming judgment on Israel, but it also outlines God's promise to be merciful and restore his people to the land. Micah describes God's coming judgment on Israel, but it also outlines God's promise to be merciful and restore his people to the land.
What is another name for Micah?
Micah, a variation of Michael, is a gender-neutral name of Hebrew origin.
What does the Lord require of you Micah?
Micah 6:8, the "Micah Mandate," gives a balanced answer to today's spiritual and political questions. "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
What happened to Micah in the Bible?
At the left, Micah is about to be pushed over a cliff at the order of King Jotham of Judah (ruled probably 740-736 BCE). At the right, two men have laid the prophet's dead body into a stone coffin. The elder one is raising his veiled hands to his chin as a sign of mourning.
Is there a book in the Bible Micah?
Book of Micah, the sixth of 12 Old Testament books that bear the names of the Minor Prophets, grouped together as The Twelve in the Jewish canon. According to the superscription, this Judaean prophet was active during the last half of the 8th century bc.
What is Micah's main message?
Micah teaches his people that living justly, loving mercy, and following the Lord are more important than sacrifices and offerings. Micah testifies that Jehovah is compassionate and forgives the sins of those who repent.
Why did Micah betray?
Micah would have been aware of the gang's impending doom and the high chance of death which would come along with it, so being the “survivor” who will do anything it takes to survive, he decided to betray the gang to save himself.
Who did Micah warn in the Bible?
Micah warned of destruction of the greedy and covetous Israelites who rejected the counsel of the prophets (see Micah 2). He indicted oppressive leaders and hireling prophets who were leading the people to destruction (see Micah 3).
Does the name Micah mean humble?
Micah can also be an Arabic or Muslim name. It is typically designated for boys and has a similar meaning as its Hebrew name-cousin. In Arabic, it means “One who is Like God,” “Poor,” or “Humble.”
Is Micah a good name?
Micah is very similar to the slightly longer Hebrew name Michael, which also means "who is like God" but includes the word "el," or God. Micah and its variations have a rich spiritual history and are often mentioned in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament of the Christian Bible.
What does Micah mean to love mercy?
To love mercy is to show “hesed,” covenant faithfulness to one another. Micah 7:18 says God delights to show covenant faithfulness. It's who He is. Only because He has shown us great mercy can we do the same for others.
What does the Bible say about Micah?
The Book of Micah gives one of the most notable prophecies of Jesus Christ’s birth in all the Old Testament, speaking roughly seven hundred years before Christ’s birth to His birthplace of Bethlehem and to His divine nature (Mica h 5:2). Micah also predicted the destruction of both Samaria and Jerusalem for their particular sins. Many important, accurate prophecies were delivered by Micah in the Bible making him a renowned figure in scripture for his gift of seeing key events to come.
What did Micah predict?
Micah also predicted the destruction of both Samaria and Jerusalem for their particular sins. Many important, accurate prophecies were delivered by Micah in the Bible making him a renowned figure in scripture for his gift of seeing key events to come. Discover the many important Bible verses about Micah and of his predictions in this collection ...
How to write a prayer for the sacrament of the Lord?
1 Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their bed s! At morning’s light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it. 2 They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them. They defraud people of their homes, they rob them of their inheritance. 3 Therefore, the LORD says: “I am planning disaster against this people, from which you cannot save yourselves. You will no longer walk proudly, for it will be a time of calamity. 4 In that day people will ridicule you; they will taunt you with this mournful song: ‘We are utterly ruined; my people’s possession is divided up. He takes it from me! He assigns our fields to traitors.’ ” 5 Therefore you will have no one in the assembly of the LORDto divide the land by lot.
What is the big idea in Micah's book?
What's the big idea? Much of Micah’s book revolves around two significant predictions: one of judgment on Israel and Judah ( Micah 1:1–3:12 ), the other of the restoration of God’s people in the millennial kingdom (4:1–5:15).
Why is Micah so important?
The book of Micah provides one of the most significant prophecies of Jesus Christ’s birth in all the Old Testament, pointing some seven hundred years before Christ’s birth to His birthplace of Bethlehem and to His eternal nature ( Micah 5:2 ).
Who wrote the book?
The prophet Micah identified himself by his hometown, called Moresheth Gath, which sat near the border of Philistia and Judah about twenty-five miles southwest of Jerusalem. Dwelling in a largely agricultural part of the country, Micah lived outside the governmental centers of power in his nation, leading to his strong concern for the lowly and less fortunate of society—the lame, the outcasts, and the afflicted ( Micah 4:6 ). Therefore, Micah directed much of his prophecy toward the powerful leaders of Samaria and Jerusalem, the capital cities of Israel and Judah, respectively (1:1).
What was Micah's indictment against Israel?
Much of Micah’s indictment against Israel and Judah involves these nations’ injustice toward the lowly—unjust business dealings, robbery, mistreatment of women and children, and a government that lived in luxury off the hard work of its nation’s people.
What happened to Judah during the time of the Doldrums?
In Judah at this time, good kings and evil kings alternated with each other, a pattern seen in the reigns of Jotham (good, 2 Kings 15:32–34 ); Ahaz (evil, 2 Kings 16:1–4 ); and Hezekiah (good, 2 Kings 18:1–7 ).
What was Micah referring to?
Micah was referring to the division in Judah and Samaria, the distrust that had arisen between all citizens, even within families. Jesus was using the same words to describe something different. Jesus said that he did not come to bring peace, but to divide households. Men are commanded to love Jesus Christ more than their own family members, and Jesus indicated that this priority would lead to persecution from others and separation within families.
When did Micah prophesy?
He prophesied from approximately 737 to 696 BC. Micah was from Moresheth, also called Moresheth-Gath, a small town in southwest Judah.
What did Micah predict?
His messages were directed mainly towards Jerusalem, and were a mixture of denunciations and prophecies. In his early prophecies, he predicted the destruction of both Samaria and Jerusalem for their respective sins. The people of Samaria were rebuked for worshipping idols which were bought with the income earned by prostitutes. Micah was the first prophet to predict the downfall of Jerusalem. According to him, the city was doomed because its beautification was financed by dishonest business practices, which impoverished the city's citizens. He also called to account the prophets of his day, whom he accused of accepting money for their oracles.
What does Micah 7:20 mean?
In Micah 7:20, Micah reminded Judah of God's covenant to be merciful to Jacob and show love to Abraham and his descendants. This is repeated in Luke 1:72–73 in the prophecy Zechariah at the circumcision and naming of John the Baptist. This prophecy concerned the kingdom and salvation through the Messiah.
What is the name of the prophet in the Bible?
Micah (prophet) Not to be confused with Micaiah. Russian Orthodox icon of the Prophet Micah, 18th century ( Iconostasis of Transfiguration Church, Kizhi Monastery, Karelia, Russia ). According to the Hebrew Bible, Micah ( Hebrew: מִיכָה הַמֹּרַשְׁתִּי Mīḵā hammōraštī "Micah the Morashtite") was a prophet in Judaism and is the author ...
What prophecy did Micah give?
Another prophecy given by Micah details the future destruction of Jerusalem and the plowing of Zion (a part of Jerusalem). This passage (Micah 3:11–12), is stated again in Jeremiah 26:18, Micah's only prophecy repeated in the Old Testament.
What is the significance of Micah's prophecy?
This prophecy concerned the kingdom and salvation through the Messiah. It is a step in the fulfillment of the blessing of the descendants of Abraham. When Micah restated this covenant promise, he was comfort ing Judah with the promise of God's faithfulness and love.
What does Micah say in the Torah?
Micah then responds by saying that God requires only "to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.".
What are the three parts of Micah?
At the broadest level, Micah can be divided into three roughly equal parts: Judgment against the nations and their leaders . Restoration of Zion (chapters 4–5, probably exilic and post-exilic, together with the next section); God's lawsuit against Israel and expression of hope (chapters 6–7).
What does Jesus say about families being divided by the gospel?
Jesus quotes Micah when he warns that families will be divided by the gospel: A man’s enemies will be those of his own household. — Matthew 10:36. For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house.
What is the first passage in the book of Lament?
Lament (7:1–7): The first passage in the book in the first person: whether it comes from Micah himself is disputed. Honesty and decency have vanished, families are filled with strife. A song of fallen Jerusalem (7:8–10): The first person voice continues, but now it is the city who speaks.
What is the device Micah uses to describe the destruction of the lesser towns of Judah?
For these passages of doom on the various cities, paronomasia is used. Paronomasia is a literary device which 'plays' on the sound of each word for literary effect.
What does Micah warn the towns of?
This in turn forms the background to verses 1:8–16, in which Micah warns the towns of the coming disaster (Lachish is singled out for special mention, accused of the corrupt practices of both Samaria and Jerusalem).
Where is the promised ruler from?
The promised ruler from Bethlehem (5:1–14): This passage is usually dated to the exile. Although chapters 4:9–10 have said that there is "no king in Zion", these chapters predict the coming Messiah will emerge from Bethlehem, the traditional home of the Davidic monarchy, to restore Israel.
What is the purpose of the Book of Micah?
Purpose of Writing: The message of the Book of Micah is a complex mixture of judgment and hope. On the one hand, the prophecies announce judgment upon Israel for social evils, corrupt leadership and idolatry. This judgment was expected to culminate in the destruction of Samaria and Jerusalem.
What does the prophet Micah say about Israel?
It is because of their deeds that Jerusalem will be destroyed. The prophet Micah proclaims the deliverance of the people who will go from Jerusalem to Babylon and concludes with an exhortation for Jerusalem to destroy the nations who have gathered against her. The ideal ruler would come from Bethlehem to defend the nation, and the prophet proclaims the triumph of the remnant of Jacob and foresees a day when Yahweh will purge the nation of idolatry and reliance on military might. The prophet sets forth a powerful and concise summary of Yahweh’s requirement for justice and loyalty and announces judgment upon those who have followed the ways of Omri and Ahab . The book closes with a prophetic liturgy comprising elements of a lament. Israel confesses its sin and is assured of deliverance through Yahweh’s mighty acts.
What is Micah 5:2?
Foreshadowings: Micah 5:2 is a Messianic prophecy quoted when the magi were searching for the king born in Bethlehem ( Matthew 2:6 ). These kings from the East were told that from the tiny village of Bethlehem would come forth the Prince of Peace, the Light of the world.
What does Micah say about the people?
Micah 1:2, "Hear, O peoples, all of you, listen, O earth and all who are in it, that the Sovereign LORD may witness against you, the Lord from His holy temple.". Micah 5:2, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, ...
What is Micah's message?
Micah’s message of sin, repentance, and restoration finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ who is the propitiation for our sins ( Romans 3:24-25) and the only way to God ( John 14:6 ). Practical Application: God gives warnings so we will not have to suffer His wrath.
What does the prophet do in the book of Omri?
The prophet sets forth a powerful and concise summary of Yahweh’s requirement for justice and loyalty and announces judgment upon those who have followed the ways of Omri and Ahab . The book closes with a prophetic liturgy comprising elements of a lament.
What is the summary of the Book of Micah?
This summary of the book of Micah provides information about the title, author (s), date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of Micah.
What is the background of Micah?
Historical Background. The background of the book is the same as that found in the earlier portions of Isaiah, though Micah does not exhibit the same knowledge of Jerusalem's political life as Isaiah does. Perhaps this is because he, like Amos, was from a village in Judah.
What did Micah predict?
Micah predicted the fall of Samaria ( 1:6 ), which took place in 722-721. This would place his early ministry in the reigns of Jotham (750-732) and Ahaz (735-715). (The reigns of Jotham and Ahaz overlapped.) Micah's message reflects social conditions prior to the religious reforms under Hezekiah (715-686).
Where was Micah from?
Micah was from the town of Moresheth ( 1:1 ), probably Moresheth Gath ( 1:14) in southern Judah. The prophecy attests to Micah's deep sensitivity to the social ills of his day, especially as they affected the small towns and villages of his homeland.
What is the theme of Micah's message?
The theme is divine judgment and deliverance.
What is the style of Micah?
Micah's style is similar to that of Isaiah. Both prophets use vigorous language and many figures of speech (see, e.g., Mic 1:4-5,7; 2:4,6,11; 3:2-3; 4:3-4,12-13; 5:1 ); both show great tenderness in threatening punishment and in promising justice.
When was Micah's message written?
If Micah himself wrote out his messages, the date for the earliest written form of his work would be c. 700.
What does Micah write about the Messiah?
He glories in the great love and exceeding compassion of the Lord, writing “Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression” ( Micah 7:18a), almost reading like one of the psalms as he joyfully writes “He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love” (Micah 7:18b). In foreshadowing the message of salvation, Micah writes that God “will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19). That is how Micah ends his book; with a hope-filled future that speaks of God’s great compassion in covering our sins and not retaining His anger forever.
Who is Micah?
I believe that Micah’s name is part of His purpose to proclaim God as his name means “who is like Yahweh” so Micah is to be used by God to reveal Who He is. We don’t have much on Micah but simply an introduction where it says “The word of the Lord that came to Micah of Moresheth in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem” (Micah 1:1). This verse reveals those who Micah is being sent to; both Jerusalem or Judah (the Southern Kingdom) and Samaria (or Israel, the Northern Kingdom) who became absorbed by Samaritans but is still identified as Jacob (or Israel) (Micah 1:5). Micah is called a Minor Prophet only because of the size of the book but has nothing to do with the prophecies being minor.
What did Micah prophesy?
Micah, prophesying during the reigns of kings Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah, gave the nation of Israel and Judah adequate warning and God gave them plenty of time to repent but they did not and as a result, both Israel and Judah were destroyed and their people were taken into captivity. Micah was probably one of those taken captive but he probably didn’t care because he had been taken captive by the heart of God.
Where did Micah prophesy the coming Messiah?
When Micah had finished much of his prophecies against Israel and Judah, he gave a prophecy about where the coming Messiah would be born and wrote, “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days” (Micah 5:2) . Of course we know that the clan from which the Messiah came was the Tribe of Judah and He is called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah by the Apostle John (Rev 5:5). This is Jesus Christ Who it is said that “he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth” (Micah 5:4) as “he shall be their peace” (Micah 5:5a ).
Who were Micah's contemporaries?
Micah’s Contemporaries. Micah the Prophet was a contemporary of Isaiah, Amos, and Hosea, as these prophets were also charged with warning Israel and Judah. After Israel divided, not long after Solomon was gone, the Northern Kingdom, called the Samaritans or Jacob (and even Israel) and the Southern Kingdom, Judah split in two ...
Who was the Lion of the Tribe of Judah?
Of course we know that the clan from which the Messiah came was the Tribe of Judah and He is called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah by the Apostle John (Rev 5:5). This is Jesus Christ Who it is said that “he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.

Who Wrote The Book?
Where Are We?
- As a contemporary of Isaiah and Hosea, Micah prophesied during the momentous years surrounding the tragic fall of Israel to the Assyrian Empire (722 BC), an event he also predicted (Micah 1:6). Micah stated in his introduction to the book that he prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah in Judah, failing to mention the simultaneous string of dishonorabl…
Why Is Micah So Important?
- The book of Micah provides one of the most significant prophecies of Jesus Christ’s birth in all the Old Testament, pointing some seven hundred years before Christ’s birth to His birthplace of Bethlehem and to His eternal nature (Micah 5:2). Surrounding Micah’s prophecy of Jesus’s birth is one of the most lucid pictures of the world’s future under the reign of the Prince of Peace (5:5). …
What's The Big Idea?
- Much of Micah’s book revolves around two significant predictions: one of judgment on Israel and Judah (Micah 1:1–3:12), the other of the restoration of God’s people in the millennial kingdom (4:1–5:15). Judgment and restoration inspire fear and hope, two ideas wrapped up in the final sequence of Micah’s prophecy, a courtroom scene in whichGod’s people stand trial before their …
How Do I Apply this?
- Much of Micah’s indictment against Israel and Judah involves these nations’ injustice toward the lowly—unjust business dealings, robbery, mistreatment of women and children, and a government that lived in luxury off the hard work of its nation’s people. Where does the injustice dwell in your own life? Who are the lowly in your life? Do you need a call toward repentance, like the people of …
Overview
According to the Hebrew Bible, Micah (Hebrew: מִיכָה הַמֹּרַשְׁתִּי Mīḵā hamMōraštī "Micah the Morashtite") was a prophet in Judaism and is the author of the Book of Micah. He is considered one of the Twelve Minor Prophets of the Hebrew Bible and was a contemporary of the prophets Isaiah, Amos and Hosea. Micah was from Moresheth-Gath, in southwest Judah. He prophesied during the reigns …
Biblical narrative
Micah was active in Judah from before the fall of Israel in 722 BC and experienced the devastation brought by Sennacherib's invasion of Judah in 701 BC. He prophesied from approximately 737 to 696 BC. Micah was from Moresheth, also called Moresheth-Gath, a small town in southwest Judah. Micah lived in a rural area, and often rebuked the corruption of city life in Israel and Judah. The subject's father is not given and likely descended from the common people as the target of …
Message
His messages were directed mainly towards Jerusalem, and were a mixture of denunciations and prophecies. In his early prophecies, he predicted the destruction of both Samaria and Jerusalem for their respective sins. The people of Samaria were rebuked for worshipping idols which were bought with the income earned by prostitutes. Micah was the first prophet to predict the downfall of Jerusalem. According to him, the city was doomed because its beautification was financed b…
Christian interpretation
Micah 5:2 is interpreted as a prophecy that Bethlehem, a small village just south of Jerusalem, would be the birthplace of the Messiah.
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.
Liturgical commemoration
Micah is commemorated with the other eleven minor prophets in the Calendar of Saints (Armenian Apostolic Church) on July 31. In the Eastern Orthodox Church he is commemorated twice in the year. The first feast day is January 5 (for those churches which follow the traditional Julian Calendar, January 5 currently falls on January 18 of the modern Gregorian Calendar). However, since January 5 is also the eve of the Great Feast of Theophany (in the west, Epiphany) and a stri…
Bibliography
• Delbert R. Hillers, Micah (Minneapolis, Fortress Press, 1984) (Nurse).
• Bruce K. Waltke, A Commentary on Micah (Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, 2007).
• Mignon Jacobs, Conceptual Coherence of the Book of Micah (Sheffield, Sheffield Academic Press, 2009).
External links
• Prophet Micah Orthodox icon and synaxarion for August 14
• Historical and Literary Overview
• Smith, William R.; Robinson, Henry W. (1911). "Micah" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 18 (11th ed.). pp. 356–358.