The name “Micah” is a shortened form of “Micaiah,” which means, “Who is like Yahweh?” A different Micaiah, the son of Imlah, served as a prophet in the Northern Kingdom during the reign of King Ahab of Israel (874-853 B.C., 1 Kings 22:8-28; 2 Chron. 18:3-27). Micah’s hometown was Moresheth-gath, which stood about 25 miles southwest of Jerusalem in Judah (1:1). It was called Moresheth-gath (1:14) because it was fairly close to the Philistine town of Gath.
Micah prophesied during the reigns of the Judean kings Jotham (750-732 B.C.), Ahaz (732-715 B.C.), and Hezekiah (715-686 B.C.; 1:1). This made him a late eighth-century contemporary of Isaiah.
Isaiah was ministering in Jerusalem, perhaps Micah was more of a country prophet, while at the same time Amos and Hosea were preaching in the Northern Kingdom. Micah’s message is similar to that of Amos, and Micah spoke at a time when conditions in Judah were much like those in the Northern Kingdom while Amos was preaching. Both prophets denounced social sins and the unfair treatment of the poor by the rich. The Northern Kingdom was taken into captivity during Micah’s lifetime— fulfilling Amos’ prophecies.
Mears points out that Micah has three sections, each starting with Hear or Listen, and each ending with a promise. (Mic 2:12-13, 5:10/15, 7:20)
Micah contains three notable passages about Christ:
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Bethlehem will produce the ultimate Ruler 5:2
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Christ will be the King 2:12-13
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Christ will reign in righteousness over the whole earth 4:1,7-8
Micah is quoted three times in Scripture: Jer 26:18, the information Herod received from the scribes to tell the Magi Mat 2:5-6, and Jesus in Mat 10:35-36 (about the enmity that Jesus would cause in families).
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/mic.1.nlt
As we heard yesterday, Isaiah 49 includes these words that are quoted in 2Cor 6:2:
“At just the right time, I will respond to you.a
On the day of salvation I will help you.
And these next words are frequently repeated by the Lord elsewhere, therefore, IMPORTANT:
Then you will know that I am the LORD.
Those who trust in me will never be put to shame.”
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/isa.50.nlt
In the seven letters in Revelation 2-3, churches 3-4 of the seven churches are Pergamum and Thyatira. Both churches were enduring and remaining loyal to Jesus. But both churches were allowing the corruption of people who taught things that promoted adultery and idolatry. Jesus warned of severe punishments including death for those who failed to repent, and also wonderful promises to those who are victorious. One of my favorite promises is this one, because it shows how intimately Jesus knows us and how intimately he will reward us:
And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it.
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/rev.3.nlt
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