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Introduction to Micah

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Micah

  1. God promises to punish the northern and the southern kingdoms (1:1–16)
  2. The guilt of those who take advantage of others
    • The guilt of the rich who oppress the poor (2:1–11)
    • Promise of deliverance and restoration (2:12–13)
    • Condemnation of rulers, priests and prophets (3:1–12) -Yahweh's victory for all Israel
    • Yahweh's kingdom will rule over all the nations (4:1–10)
    • Israel will first be destroyed, and then will be victorious over its enemies (4:11–13)
    • Messiah will come and shepherd his flock and devastate the nations who fought against him (5:1–6)
    • Messiah will destroy everything that harmed his people (5:7–15)
  3. Yahweh's case against Israel
    • Yahweh reminds Israel when he led them out of slavery in Egypt (6:1–5)
    • Israel's punishment, and true repentance (6:6–16)
  4. The misery of Israel and their restoration
    • The brokenness and misery of Israel (7:1–7)
    • The coming together of nations in Israel (7:8–13)
    • The incomparable view of Yahweh who restores and gives grace (7:14–20)

What is the Book of Micah about?

The Book of Micah is a collection of many prophetic pronouncements. Micah repeated many of the great prophetic themes in Isaiah. He began his ministry in the kingdom of Israel and then moved to the kingdom of Judah. Micah warned of the pending attacks of Assyria and the coming fall of both kingdoms. Micah condemned injustice and immorality. He denounced those who did not work for a living and he renounced the false prophets who were giving Israel and Judah a sense of false security, by telling them that they were safe and that Yahweh would protect and deliver them.

Micah appealed to the people to live righteous and holy lives because of their connection with Yahweh. Their sins were evidence that they were not worshiping and serving Yahweh. The way they lived their lives, especially how they treated their fellow countrymen, proved the failure of their faith and showed that they had lost their love for Yahweh. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet, rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/unjust, rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous, rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy and rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith)

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may decided to translate the traditional title "The Book of Micah" in a way that is clearer to the readers. They may decide to call it, "The Sayings of Micah." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names)

Who wrote Micah?

Micah probably wrote this book. Micah lived at the same time as Isaiah and Hosea (in the mid to late 8th century BC) during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Who is the deliverer Micah mentions?

Micah frequently mentions a king who will deliver the people. While he is not directly mentioned to be the Messiah, it becomes clear that the person Micah mentions is the Messiah, the descendant of David who will rule forever. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/deliverer and rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ)

Were the Israelites required to offer sacrifices or live holy lives to please Yahweh?

While much of the Old Testament focuses on offering sacrifices according to the law of Moses, Micah explains to the people that Yahweh is only pleased when the people offer these sacrifices in faith. Without faith sacrifices become empty religious practices. True faith will result in the people living just lives. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses and rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice)

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Why does Micah 1:10-16 sound unusual?

This passage sounds unusual because of its construction in Hebrew, called a play on words. The names of the cities are used to describe their destruction. "Lachish will be lashed" is an example of this type of construction. This is a poetic element that might not correspond to the actual way they will be punished.

What does a translator need to know before translating Micah?

Micah does not frequently explain the historical context of his prophecies. This may result in the translator's failure to understand implicit information unless they have a solid understanding of the time of Micah's ministry. It is therefore suggested that translators have a good understanding of the history of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet)

How do I translate passages where the speaker or addressee is not mentioned explicitly?

Micah often fails to mention who is speaking or who is being addressed. The context of the quote will often help the reader to understand who is speaking or being addressed. It is acceptable to make this information explicit so the reader can more easily understand it. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit)

How should the text of Micah be formatted?

The ULB tries to replicate the same poetic format as the Hebrew text. Many languages will be capable of replicating this but some languages will not be capable of doing this. The poetic portions of the text have been set apart through the use of indentation. With the exception of the first verse, the entire book is indented because the book is written as a series of poetic prophecies.