Micah

Micah came from Moresheth, a small town in the lowlands of Judah, giving him a perspective different from the urban prophets. He prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, making him a contemporary of Isaiah. While Isaiah ministered primarily to Jerusalem's elite, Micah spoke for the rural poor.

Micah's accusations were specific and damning. He condemned those who seized fields and houses, judges who took bribes, prophets who prophesied for money, and priests who taught for hire. He described leaders who "abhor judgment, and pervert all equity" while building Zion with blood and Jerusalem with iniquity.

Yet Micah also delivered some of Scripture's most beautiful prophecies. He foretold that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem: "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel." The wise men quoted this prophecy to Herod.

Micah also summarized true religion in one memorable verse: "What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" This balance of justice, mercy, and humble faith captures the heart of what God desires from His people.