Micah

Micah is the thirty-third book of the Bible and the sixth of the minor prophets. The book is traditionally attributed to the prophet Micah of Moresheth, who prophesied during the same period as Isaiah, in the late eighth century BC. Micah addressed both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah; the northern kingdom was destroyed during his lifetime.

The book alternates oracles of judgment with promises of restoration in three cycles. The judgment oracles are directed at the leaders of Israel and Judah (kings, priests, prophets, judges) who exploit the poor, accept bribes, and ignore justice. Micah describes the leaders as cannibals tearing the flesh of their people, prophets who preach for pay, judges who sell their verdicts.

The book contains some of the most-quoted lines in the prophets. The promise of a ruler to come out of Bethlehem, quoted in Matthew's gospel about the birth of Jesus, is here. The famous line "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God" comes near the end of the book.

Micah closes with a passage of confidence. God will pardon iniquity, hurl sins into the depths of the sea, and remain faithful to the promises made to Abraham.