Commentary on Micah 1-7
Chuck Smith expounds on the prophetic messages of Micah, highlighting God's judgment and mercy during the turbulent times of Israel and Judah.
In this sermon, Chuck Smith provides an insightful exposition on the book of Micah, exploring the prophet's messages during a critical period in Israel's history. He highlights the historical context of the divided kingdoms, the spiritual decline under King Ahaz, and the hopeful reforms under Hezekiah. Through careful analysis, Smith reveals God's judgment and mercy as portrayed in Micah's prophecies against Samaria and Jerusalem.
Text
Shall we turn now to the book of Micah.
As is the very typical opening of most of the books of the prophets,
The word of the LORD that came to Micah the Morasthite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, the kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem (Mic 1:1).
So he introduces himself Micah; the city from which he hailed, Morasthite; the time of his prophecy, it is about the same time that Isaiah was prophesying. He was a contemporary to Isaiah.
As we go back in the history of II Kings and we look at Ahaz. He was one of the bad kings of the Southern Kingdom of Judah and he did not that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but he established high places for the worship of the false gods in Jerusalem. Hezekiah was a good king, instituted reforms when he came to the throne.
Now, prophesying during this period of time would mean that he was prophesying during the time that the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians. The Assyrians having conquered the Northern Kingdom then invaded the Southern Kingdom at the time of Hezekiah and, of course, were defeated by the work of the Lord, the intervention of God. So the time that Samaria and the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell. So his prophecy is against Samaria and also against Jerusalem.
Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that is therein: and let the Lord GOD be the witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple (Mic 1:2).
So his calling unto the people now to hear God\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to Micah and historical context
- Micah's contemporaneity with Isaiah
- Kings Ahaz and Hezekiah's contrasting reigns
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II
- The fall of the Northern Kingdom to Assyria
- Assyrian invasion of Judah and divine intervention
- Micah's prophecy against Samaria and Jerusalem
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III
- Call to hear God's word
- God as a witness against the people
- The significance of God's holy temple
Key Quotes
“The word of the LORD that came to Micah the Morasthite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, the kings of Judah.” — Chuck Smith
“Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that is therein: and let the Lord GOD be the witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple.” — Chuck Smith
“Prophesying during this period of time would mean that he was prophesying during the time that the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Listen attentively to God's warnings and calls for repentance as Micah urged his contemporaries.
- Recognize the importance of spiritual reform and faithfulness in times of national crisis.
- Trust in God's sovereign intervention even when facing overwhelming external threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Micah?
Micah was a prophet from Moresheth who prophesied during the reigns of kings Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.
What historical events does Micah address?
Micah prophesied during the fall of the Northern Kingdom to Assyria and the Assyrian invasion of Judah.
How does Micah's message relate to Isaiah?
Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah, delivering prophetic messages during the same period.
What was the spiritual condition of Judah during Micah's time?
Judah was spiritually compromised with idolatry under King Ahaz but saw reforms under King Hezekiah.