The Book of Micah
in a Nutshell
The Book of Micah
in a Nutshell
Embedded Files
in a Nutshell
The Book of Micah is a collection of prophecies from the prophet Micah, who spoke during a time of social injustice, political corruption, and religious hypocrisy in both the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel and Judah. His message is a blend of judgment and hope, declaring that Jehovah will not overlook sin but also affirming His enduring promises to His people.
Micah opens with a vision of Jehovah coming down to bring judgment against Samaria and Jerusalem for their idolatry, violence, and exploitation of the poor. Leaders and prophets had become corrupt, using their power for personal gain. Yet Jehovah's justice would not be delayed forever. Destruction would come, including the fall of Jerusalem and the loss of its temple.
But Micah also offers profound hope. He foretells the coming of a ruler from Bethlehem, one whose origins are from ancient times. This prophecy points to the Messiah, who would shepherd Jehovah’s people in peace and security. Micah declares that though judgment must come, Jehovah will one day gather His remnant and restore them, establishing a kingdom marked by righteousness and peace.
One of the most famous verses in the book captures the heart of Micah’s message: “He has told you, O man, what is good, and what does Jehovah require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah makes clear that true worship is not about ritual alone, but about living lives of integrity, compassion, and humility.
Micah ends with a prayer of confidence in Jehovah’s forgiveness. Despite Israel’s failures, Jehovah delights in mercy and will cast their sins into the depths of the sea. He will remain faithful to His covenant with Abraham and Jacob. The book of Micah reminds readers that while Jehovah judges sin, He also offers grace and restoration to those who return to Him in sincerity and humility.
JJ Bowks, ©CDMI
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
Hebrew Scriptures
Hebrew Scriptures
(Old Testament Books)
Outline of the Book of Micah
Outline of the Book of Micah
I. Judgment on Israel and Judah (1:1–2:13)A. Introduction and Superscription – 1:1
Micah’s prophecy during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah – 1:1
B. Jehovah’s Coming in Judgment – 1:2–7
Universal summons to hear – 1:2
Jehovah descends in power to judge – 1:3–4
Samaria’s destruction for idolatry – 1:5–7
C. Lament over Judah’s Cities – 1:8–16
Micah weeps and mourns – 1:8–9
Wordplay on the fates of Judah’s towns – 1:10–16
D. Condemnation of Oppressors – 2:1–5
Woe to those who scheme evil and seize land – 2:1–2
Jehovah promises judgment and removal – 2:3–5
E. Rejection of False Prophets – 2:6–11
The people resist true prophecy – 2:6
Jehovah’s displeasure with the greedy and unjust – 2:7–11
F. Restoration Promised – 2:12–13
A remnant gathered and led by Jehovah – 2:12–13
II. Indictment of Leaders and Promise of Restoration (3:1–5:15)
A. Condemnation of Corrupt Leaders – 3:1–4
Leaders devour the people like meat – 3:1–3
Jehovah will hide His face in judgment – 3:4
B. False Prophets Rebuked – 3:5–8
Prophets preach for profit – 3:5
Darkness and shame will come – 3:6–7
Micah contrasts with Spirit-filled boldness – 3:8
C. Zion’s Leadership Condemned – 3:9–12
Leaders build Zion with bloodshed – 3:9–10
Corrupt reliance on Jehovah’s presence – 3:11
Zion will become a heap of ruins – 3:12
D. The Future Kingdom of Peace – 4:1–5
Nations will come to Jehovah’s house – 4:1–2
Peace, justice, and prosperity foretold – 4:3–5
E. Restoration of a Scattered People – 4:6–8
Jehovah gathers the lame and outcasts – 4:6–7
Kingship restored to Jerusalem – 4:8
F. Present Distress and Future Deliverance – 4:9–13
Pain of exile – 4:9–10
Nations gathered, but Jehovah will judge – 4:11–13
G. Birth of the Ruler from Bethlehem – 5:1–6
Siege against Israel and humiliation – 5:1
A ruler from Bethlehem to shepherd in Jehovah’s strength – 5:2–4
Peace and triumph over Assyria – 5:5–6
H. The Remnant Among the Nations – 5:7–9
Like dew and lions among the peoples – 5:7–9
I. Judgment on Military Might and Idolatry – 5:10–15
Removal of horses, chariots, and strongholds – 5:10–11
Destruction of sorceries and idols – 5:12–14
Wrath on disobedient nations – 5:15
III. Jehovah’s Lawsuit and Appeal to His People (6:1–7:20)
A. Jehovah’s Case Against Israel – 6:1–5
Call to plead before the mountains – 6:1–2
Jehovah recalls His saving acts – 6:3–5
B. What Jehovah Requires – 6:6–8
Rhetorical questions about sacrifices – 6:6–7
Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly – 6:8
C. Accusation and Judgment – 6:9–16
Dishonest scales and violence condemned – 6:9–12
Desolation as judgment – 6:13–16
D. Lament Over Moral Decay – 7:1–7
No righteous person remains – 7:1–4
Betrayal within families – 7:5–6
Trust in Jehovah alone – 7:7
E. Hope and Restoration – 7:8–20
Light after darkness for the faithful – 7:8–10
Jerusalem will be rebuilt – 7:11–13
Jehovah will shepherd and forgive His people – 7:14–17
Jehovah’s incomparable mercy and faithfulness – 7:18–20
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