Micah 1:1-6

The book of Micah contains parts of sermons recorded in written form. The introduction tells us that Micah delivered messages from God to the people of Israel and Judah across the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, three kings of Judah. Scholars do not agree upon the exact date of the original material, and some of the historical details of his message are open to debate. However, the theological and spiritual messages that he delivered are still quite clear.

He was speaking primarily to the people of wealth and power in the two capital cities of Samaria and Jerusalem. His warning against idolatry, injustice and immorality applied to all the citizens of the two nations, but his primary focus was on the two capitals because the social ills and corruption started at the top.

The leaders believed they were in control and had the final authority. Micah told them that God was watching, and had seen their wickedness. God used Micah to bear witness against them. The unrighteous leaders could choose to ignore God, but they could not force God to ignore them. God had been watching, and he was going to come and pass judgment.

Micah told them that God would make Samaria a heap of rubble and would lay bare her foundations. It is impossible to know when Micah said this, because in a 50 year time span the northern kingdom was involved in four major wars, and they were defeated in each. In 722 BC, the Assyrians captured Samaria, and in 701 BC, Hezekiah revolted against the Assyrians, and was defeated. The war destroyed the lowlands of Judah and the Philistines dominated Judah’s western border for a century.

If Micah preached today, would his vision concern Washington DC and the state capitals, or would it concern all the people who have a right to vote? Is the direction of our nation set by our leaders, or by those who elect our leaders? Either way, citizens are not immune from the consequences of national unrighteousness.