The Prophet Micah was a contemporary of the Prophet Isaiah. He lived in the town of Moresheth which is thought to have been in Judah. Micah prophesied against both Judah, the southern kingdom, and Israel, the northern kingdom, which is sometimes referred to as “Samaria.”

It is from the Book of Micah that we have received the prophecy of the period of time that we call the “Years of Silence” when there was no prophecy recorded (Micah 3:6-7). Micah prophesied that “Zion would be plowed as a field …” (Micah 3:2). And of course it was Micah that gave the prophecy of the Messiah being born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).

The ubiquitous Torah Design or Pattern (please see Torah Designs in the Bible – Luke810.com/tr1.htm) is also found in the Book of Micah as you will see below.

Part One (Genesis, the Sin of Man) is found in 1:1 through 2:11. The prophet points out that the judgment against Judah and Samaria is because of their transgression, or sin (Micah 1:5). The Lord said for this reason He would make Samaria a pile of rubble. He did not have good things to say about Judah, either.

Part Two (Exodus, Deliverance) of the Torah Design (2:12 through 3:11) is about the promised deliverance of Judah and Israel/Samaria after a time of judgment. Despite the fact that Israel was conquered and deported by the Assyrians in 722 B.C., the Lord still has plans for the remnant of Judah and Israel/Samaria (Micah 2:12).

Being “Set Apart” or “sanctified” is the theme of Part Three of the Torah Design (Leviticus), and is found in 3:12 through 5:15. The mountain of the Lord’s Temple, or Mount Zion, is the focus of chapter four. “Zion” is mentioned nine times in this passage. The Lord is jealous for Zion, and the prophet shows this in 4:1 through 4:13. Micah does not say the Lord is jealous for Zion, but the Prophet Zechariah states it clearly in Zechariah 1:14 and 8:2. The balance of this section of Micah indicates that all twelve tribes of Israel are destined for victory through the Lord.

The Lord states His case against Israel in Part Four of the Torah Design (Numbers) which is about Testing in the Wilderness (6:1-7:6). His criticisms of Israel/Samaria sound like they could be criticisms of our leaders today. The leader and the judge both ask for a bribe (Micah 7:3).

“Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.” – Micah 7:7

Part Five (Deuteronomy) is about the Kingdom and the Lord’s promises to all twelve tribes of Israel (7:7-20). Even though all of Israel was disobedient, the Lord will forgive and restore. The Lord declares that He will demonstrate marvelous things as He did in bringing the twelve tribes out of Egypt. In the Kingdom Age, all the nations will be confounded and will fear the unified Israel. The last verse of Micah confirms the promises made to Abraham and his descendants in Genesis 12:2 and 15:18.

“Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob (also known as Israel), and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.” – Micah 7:20