Micah's call for justice, the Christmas prophecy of Bethlehem, and 'Do justice, love mercy.'
Key themes: justice, mercy, Messiah, Bethlehem, humility.
| Author | Micah of Moresheth |
|---|---|
| Date Written | c. 735–700 BC |
| Original Audience | The kingdoms of Israel and Judah |
Micah is a contemporary of Isaiah, Hosea, and Amos — a rural prophet from the town of Moresheth who brings God's word to both the northern and southern kingdoms. His book contains two of the most remarkable prophecies in the Old Testament. First, Micah 5:2 — written 700 years before the first Christmas — specifically names Bethlehem as the birthplace of the coming ruler of Israel: 'But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.' The Magi's advisors in Matthew 2 quote this verse when asked where the Messiah would be born. Second, Micah 6:8 — one of the most quoted summaries of God's ethical requirements in the entire Bible: 'He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.'
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