In brief
Micah is a prophet of Judah, from Moresheth, who speaks in the time of the kings Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, in the eighth century BC. He denounces injustice and idolatry, announces judgment on Samaria and Jerusalem, but also promises that a ruler will be born in Bethlehem. He sums up what the Lord requires: to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.
What does the name Micah mean?
The name Micah is generally understood as "Who is like the Lord?" in Hebrew. The Bible gives no explanation of this name, so this interpretation remains cautious. The question contained in the name finds an echo at the end of the book.
The story of Micah
A prophet from Moresheth
Micah 1The word of the Lord comes to Micah of Moresheth, in the time of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. He announces that the Lord is coming from his holy temple to judge Samaria and Jerusalem because of the sins of Jacob and Israel.
The ruler who will be born in Bethlehem
Micah 5:1-5In the midst of siege and distress, Micah announces that from Bethlehem Ephrathah, small among the clans of Judah, will come one who will rule over Israel. His origin goes back to the days of eternity. He will govern in the strength of the Lord, and he will bring peace.
The Lord's lawsuit
Micah 6:1-8The Lord pleads against his people before the mountains and reminds them of his kindnesses: the exodus from Egypt, Moses, Aaron and Miriam. The people ask with what offerings to come before him. The answer is given: act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.
A God who pardons
Micah 7Micah laments the corruption of the land, but he chooses to look to the Lord and wait for the God of his salvation. The book ends with a celebration of God's forgiveness and of his faithfulness to Jacob and Abraham, as he had promised to the fathers.
What Micah teaches us
- God often chooses the small and insignificant, like Bethlehem, to accomplish his greatest purposes.
- Worship without justice or mercy does not please the Lord.
- In a corrupt world, we can choose to look to God and wait for his salvation.
- The promised Christ comes from Bethlehem, and his reign will have no end.
- Humility before God is the path of a faithful life.
Key verses
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being small among the clans of Judah, out of you one will come out to me that is to be ruler in Israel”. This prophecy, cited in the gospel of Matthew, points to the birthplace of the Messiah.
The promised ruler “shall stand, and shall shepherd in the strength of Yahweh, in the majesty of the name of Yahweh his God”. His authority does not come from human power, but from the Lord himself.
“What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” This is the best-known summary of Micah's message.
The Lord reminds them: “I brought you up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage. I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.” The people are invited to remember God's faithfulness before answering him.
Sermons about Micah
Frequently asked questions
Why does Micah announce the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem?
Micah 5:2 designates Bethlehem Ephrathah, small among the clans of Judah, as the place from which will come the one who will rule over Israel. The town is tied to the line of David. The religious leaders cite this verse to the magi in Matthew 2.
What does the name Micah mean?
The name Micah is generally understood as "Who is like the Lord?". The Bible gives no direct explanation, so this interpretation remains cautious. This question echoes the one the prophet asks at the end of his book, celebrating the God who pardons.
Where can I find the story of Micah in the Bible?
The book of Micah has seven chapters among the twelve minor prophets. It introduces the prophet in chapter 1. The best-known passages are Micah 5:2, on Bethlehem, and Micah 6:8, which sums up what the Lord requires of man.