MICAH

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet
The prophet Micah operated both when Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah were kings (739-686 BC). He came from Moresheth - Gat, outside Jerusalem, and was the only of the small prophets who warned the people of Israel - actually both Northern and Southern kingdom . He prophesied not so much about other countries, and that distinguishes him from e.g. Isaiah - who spoke much about other nations.

Micah begins to warn different cities against the judgment of God because of their sins. Then he goes on to describe how amazing God's kingdom is going to be , and how the ruler of Israel will bring peace on earth (5:4). Finally he tells that a small part of Israel (7:14) will get the nation on. The rest refers to the part of the Jews who were very eager to go back to Judah from Babylon (7:11) .

A overview of the book can be:
-  judgment of God will come unless Israel stops sinning (Ch.1-3)
- God's coming kingdom will bring blessings and His people will be blessed (Ch. 4-5)
- people should repent before it is too late (Ch 6-7)

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

I think this scripture in 6:8 also shows Gods character and nature, because He want us to be alike Him:
“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God”.
 

What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

Micah has a clear Jesus-prophesy and tells that Messiah will be born in Betlehem (5:1-4).

Personal Application:

When John Randerson had the teaching about Micah in our class, he told us about a friend of Him (that now has gone with the Lord). But all his life he had the scripture in 6:8 as a foundation for his life.
I want to have the same foundation in my life – “doing what is right, love mercy and  walk humbly with my God” -  and I think this is in line with what God wants me to.
 

Point of passion:

My point of passion during my DBS is the Shan-people in Thailand:

The book of Micah has a passage about wealthy Oppressors in 2:1-2:
“What sorrow awaits you who lie awake at night, thinking up evil plans. You rise at dawn and hurry to carry them out, simply because you have the power to do so. When you want a piece of land, you find a way to seize it. When you want someone’s house, you take it by fraud and violence. You cheat a man of his property, stealing his family’s inheritance”.

This is what God hates, but this is unfortunately the case in many parts of the world – inclusive among the Shan-people in Thailand. And I pray that God will break this  crime among the Shan-people.