Micah 1:1 – The Doom of Samaria and Jerusalem

Micah was a prophet of the Lord who lived in the city of Moresheth (about 25 miles southwest of Jerusalem). He proclaimed Jehovah’s revelation in the reigns of Judah’s kings, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. He was, therefore, a contemporary of Isaiah (cf. Isaiah 1:1). Some characterize him as the “country” preacher, while Isaiah was the “city” preacher.

The thrust of his message was to declare the impending destruction of Samaria. Samaria was the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel. Micah would also predict the ultimate fall of Jerusalem (Micah 1:1). His mission was to rebuke Israel (the northern kingdom) for its sin, and expose Jacob (the southern kingdom) for its transgression (3:8). Micah was a courageous prophet equal to the task.

Samaria fell to the Assyrians in 722/21 B.C. The kingdom of Judah was ravaged by the Babylonians in 606/5 B.C., again in 597 B.C., and Jerusalem finally fell in 586 B.C.

Make these notations in your margin beside Micah 1:1, so that you will have some historical background as to the purpose of this inspired document.