WHAT MISERY IS MINE! 
Micah grieves over the corruption of the society in which he lived. Violence, dishonesty and immorality were practiced freely among the people of Israel. Few people were really godly (Verse 2), and family love had nearly disappeared (Verse 6). If we are truly devoted to God and His purposes, we will also grieve over the evil and ungodliness we see around us. It should cause us to pray more earnestly for our nation and for those we know who do not have a personal relationship with God. We must plead for the Lord to do whatever it takes to bring them to Him (Verse 7-9) and to use us in the process. ​

​I WATCH IN HOPE FOR THE LORD. 
When surrounded by a morally sick and spiritually lost society, Micah put his faith in God and trusted Him to fulfill His promises. Micah knew that God would take care of him personally and would one day carry out justice against all evil and reveal everything that is right (Verse 9). 

1. God calls Christ's followers to live "without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars"  (Philippians 2:15).
2. Although evil may increase and society may totally fall apart, we can offer God's gift of spiritual salvation to all who will listen, while we pray and wait expectantly for the day when Christ will set all things right (Verse 15-20).

​I WILL RISE. 
Those who remained faithful to God would face difficult days ahead because of God's judgment for the nation's sins. However, Micah boldly expressed a faith that looked beyond the temporary triumph of their enemies to the time when God would restore the nation to its highest glory. "I will rise" is a statement of faith that is similar to Job's statement in the middle of his suffering (Job 19:25-27).

SHEPHERD YOUR PEOPLE. 
These verses are a prayer of supplication(a humble plea or request), asking God to fulfill the words of  Verse 8-13. Micah's main concern was that God - as the great Shepherd - would once again lead, guide and take care of Israel. ​

Reflection Question: 

• What happened to human relationships?
• What is Micah’s attitude toward God while in a sinful society?
• ​What should be your attitude and your response?

I hope you enjoyed this study as much as I have. Please feel free to leave a short note or a comment. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Please leave me your thoughts on our study of Micah. ​

​BIBLE STUDY TOOLS I USE:

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LISTEN TO WHAT THE LORD SAYS 
​The Lord had a "case" or dispute against His people. He demanded that they step forward to hear His accusations and to justify their evil actions, it that was possible. What right did they have to reject their covenant God - the One who set them apart from all other nations, who gave them His special laws and promises and who rescued them time and time again? Yet they had continually disobeyed His laws. The specific charges against the people are given in Verse 9-16. ​

​WHAT HAVE I DONE TO YOU? 
God asks His people what He had done to deserve their rejection - had He failed them in some way?

1. Could it be His fault that they had disobeyed His Word? Had He neglected the people or failed to love them enough? The answer is clear. Israel had no excuse; God had treated His people with kindness, patience and complete faithfulness throughout their history. 
2. Today God could ask the same questions of all who turn their backs on Him. If we become disloyal to Him, reject His standards and accept the ways of the world, it will not be because God has been unfaithful to us. It will be because of our own selfish desires and our lack of gratitude for His grace - His undeserved favor - and love. 

​WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF YOU? 
This passage is one of the great summary statements of the Bible, It gives the clearest and most complete picture of how God expects His people to conduct themselves. The verse gives a threefold definition of God's standard of goodness and what our commitment to Him involves:

1. We must act justly, which requires being fair and honest in our dealings with others (Matthew 7:12). Notice that it says we must "act justly." This is significant because a person can claim to appreciate justice; but they speak falsely unless they are  willing to take necessary action to make sure that others are treated justly. 
2. We must love mercy, which requires showing genuine active compassion and kindness to individuals in need. Notice that it says we must "love mercy." This is significant because people can actually appear to do merciful things, but their actions are not true unless they really love people from their hearts. 
3. We must walk humbly with our God, which requires constant gratitude toward God, total reliance on Him and an undying respect for His purposes - following them everyday (James 4:6-10; 1 Peter 5:5-6).  Public worship is only a small part of our total commitment to Christ. A genuine love for the Lord must be shown by gracious actions toward others - particularly those in need. 

THE LORD IS CALLING. 
The Lord lists some of Israel's sins - their offenses toward Him - and announces the judgment they had to face as a consequence of those sins. ​

BIBLE STUDY TOOLS I USE:

• NIV Bible
• KJV, Personal Size Reference Bible
• Map Pencils
• College Ruled Spiral Notebook
• R.S.V.P. Ballpoint Pen

Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission—but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

If you would like the eBook to this Bible Study Visit our Store to Purchase a eBook download. ​

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​Thank you for joining me.
Also I would like to hear from you.
Please feel free to leave a short note or a comment.
Blessings,
​​Margarita & Stace

​BUT YOU, BETHLEHEM.
Micah prophesies that a godly ruler would come out of Bethlehem who would fulfill God's promises to His people. This verse refers to Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 2:1, 3-6), who is "from ancient times" (from eternity, without beginning or end; John 1:1; Colossians 1:7; Revelation 1:8); yet He would be born as a human and live among people (Verse 3; John 1:14; Philippians 2:7-8).

​THEREFORE ISRAEL WILL BE ABANDONED. 
God would abandon Israel - allowing the nation to go its way and suffer the consequences of its actions. It would have to survive without the many benefits God had desired for them until the promised One is born (Christ). "She who is in labor" refers physically to the virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, and spiritually to the faithful few in Israel who will be serving God up until that time. all hope for Israel - and for all nations - comes from the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. "The rest of His brothers" refers to the northern tribes of Israel, showing that the Messiah would be for all of Israel twelve tribes twelve tribes (Judah consisted of two tribes and Israel consisted of ten of the original tribes.

TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH. 
Like Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6-7; 61:1-2), Micah did not distinguish between the first and second comings of Jesus Christ to the earth. Some of his descriptions may have implications for both arrivals. When Christ returns to destroy all evil (following the tribulation judgments on the earth, Revelation Chapters 6-19), Israel will live securely and Christ will reign over all the world.  ​

​HE WILL BE THEIR PEACE. 
Only Jesus the Messiah will bring lasting peace to Israel (this will occur in its most complete way when He returns to earth to rule for the last thousand years at the end of history, Revelation 20). Yet with His first coming, Christ has already brought God's peace to individuals who have accepted His personal sacrifice for their sins, received His forgiveness and have the assurance of eternal life (Romans 5:1-11). Because they have entrusted their lives to His leadership, true followers of Jesus will not be condemned to receive eternal punishment (John 14:27; Ephesians 2:14).

ASSYRIAN
Assyria represents all God's enemies. The Messiah will one day rescue and free His people from all who oppose them and their worship of God. ​

DEMOLISH YOUR CHARIOTS
When the Messiah returns to judge the world for its evil, He will take away Israel's need and ability to make ware (Verse 10-11). He will also take away from the nation all sin, witchcraft and idolatry (worship of false gods [which really represent demons] or other things instead of the true God, Verse 12-14). All those in Israel who are not loyal to God and His ways will be destroyed, along with the rest of God's enemies. ​

​Reflection Question:

• What type of leadership is promised?
•  In what will the people trust for their strength?
• ​What is the basis of your confidence about yourself and life?

​I hope you are enjoying this study as much as I am. Please leave me your thoughts on our study of Micah.

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​Thank you for joining me.
Also I would like to hear from you.
Please feel free to leave a short note or a comment.
Blessings,
​​Margarita & Stace

​IN THE LAST DAYS.  
Micah tells of a time at the end of earthly history when God will rule over the entire world.1. It will be a time of peace, goodness and happiness. God will be honored and worshiped not only by a unified Israel, but also by all the nations of the world. 
2. The "mountain of the LORD'S temple" (Jerusalem)  will be the center of God's government. This future kingdom will begin when Christ returns to destroy all evil and to establish His reign on earth Revelation 20:4)

​WALK IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. 
How should we live while we wait for God's kingdom to come in its complete form? Micah tells us. Walking "in the name of the LORD" means that we must live in a way, that is worthy of being associated with God. As Christ's followers, we are to be God's representatives - reflecting His character, serving His purposes and exercising His authority over evil. We must go about our daily lives with a strong awareness of God's presence, which will encourage our faith in God and keep us from doing things that are not right. In the process, we will be able to influence others to follow Christ (2 Peter 3:11-12).

​Reflection Question:

• What are God’s plans for the “last days”?
• To what extent is your group or nation trying to pattern its progress according to verses 3-4?
• ​Do you think it will succeed?

I hope you are enjoying this study as much as I am. Please leave me your thoughts on our study of Micah.

​BIBLE STUDY TOOLS I USE: 

• NIV Bible
• KJV, Personal Size Reference Bible
• Map Pencils
• College Ruled Spiral Notebook
• R.S.V.P. Ballpoint Pen

Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission—but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

​Don't miss a thing! Sign up to get updates delivered to you inbox

​Thank you for joining me.
Also I would like to hear from you.
Please feel free to leave a short note or a comment.
Blessings,
​​Margarita & Stace

LEADERS OF JACOB. This passage prophesies against the cruelty of the ruling classes (Verse 1 -4), the deceit of false prophets (Verse 5-7) and the injustice of Judah's spiritually rebellious leaders, priests and prophets (Verse 9-12) These people should have been setting the example for all the others; instead, they were leading the people even further from God. As a result, God would punish all of them as they deserved. ​

HATE GOOD AND LOVE EVIL 
​The nation's leaders had abandoned God's proven standards and substituted their own rules and regulations - most of which were just the opposite of God's standards. They ran after evil as if it was good and practiced injustice as if everything was just and fair. They did this so they could get what they felt they deserved. Many people today - both in the church and in the world - have also switched the roles of evil and good to fit their ungodly belief systems, to serve their misguided purposes or simply to justify their immoral behavior. God calls us to reject this trend and to love righteousness and hate wickedness (Amos 5:15; Romans 12;9; Hebrews 1:9). ​

EAT MY PEOPLE'S FLESH. 
This very clear expression describes how seriously the leaders had misused and oppressed the common people. ​

HE WILL NOT ANSWER THEM. 
Because of the leaders' evil and cruel behavior, God would refuse to answer their prayers. They would find themselves helpless and separated from God. ​

AS FOR THE PROPHETS. 
​God greatly desired to lead His people back to the path of truth and a right relationship with Him, but the false prophets knew it would take away their influence. They made the people feel good about themselves by speaking a message of false hope and security. By doing this, they were encouraging the people to sin. Because they refused to lead the people back to God, God would abandon the false prophets. ​

​FILLED WITH POWER, WITH THE SPIRIT. 
God had called Micah to be one of His spokesman, and then empowered him to accomplish the task.

1. As any true prophet of faithful minister, Micah spoke by the power and inspiration (direct guidance and empowerment) of the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 20:9; Ephesians 3:7). The Spirt directed him to condemn sinful and unholy behavior in God's house. It was Micah's task to reflect God's holiness (purity, perfection, completeness and separation from evil) and to encourage the people to do what is right according to God's standards. 
2. ​Pastors and prophets today have the same task. They must not bend to pressures - even from within the church - to conform to sinful beliefs, behaviors or lifestyles that are common in the world. Instead, the must be God's voice for truth, righteousness and holiness. 

​Reflection Question:

• What are the characteristics of the leadership of Israel during the time of Micah? 
• Do we have leadership in current times similar to the time of Micah?
• Explain the similarities. What can you do to fulfill your responsibility to warn leaders about the hazards of bad leadership? 
• ​How can you fight back against bad leaders?

MICAH BIBLE STUDY CHAPTER THREE3/13/2021
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LEADERS OF JACOB. This passage prophesies against the cruelty of the ruling classes (Verse 1 -4), the deceit of false prophets (Verse 5-7) and the injustice of Judah's spiritually rebellious leaders, priests and prophets (Verse 9-12) These people should have been setting the example for all the others; instead, they were leading the people even further from God. As a result, God would punish all of them as they deserved. 
HATE GOOD AND LOVE EVIL 
​The nation's leaders had abandoned God's proven standards and substituted their own rules and regulations - most of which were just the opposite of God's standards. They ran after evil as if it was good and practiced injustice as if everything was just and fair. They did this so they could get what they felt they deserved. Many people today - both in the church and in the world - have also switched the roles of evil and good to fit their ungodly belief systems, to serve their misguided purposes or simply to justify their immoral behavior. God calls us to reject this trend and to love righteousness and hate wickedness (Amos 5:15; Romans 12;9; Hebrews 1:9). 

 EAT MY PEOPLE'S FLESH. 
This very clear expression describes how seriously the leaders had misused and oppressed the common people. 
HE WILL NOT ANSWER THEM. 
Because of the leaders' evil and cruel behavior, God would refuse to answer their prayers. They would find themselves helpless and separated from God. 
AS FOR THE PROPHETS. 
​God greatly desired to lead His people back to the path of truth and a right relationship with Him, but the false prophets knew it would take away their influence. They made the people feel good about themselves by speaking a message of false hope and security. By doing this, they were encouraging the people to sin. Because they refused to lead the people back to God, God would abandon the false prophets. 

FILLED WITH POWER, WITH THE SPIRIT. 
God had called Micah to be one of His spokesman, and then empowered him to accomplish the task.

1. As any true prophet of faithful minister, Micah spoke by the power and inspiration (direct guidance and empowerment) of the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 20:9; Ephesians 3:7). The Spirt directed him to condemn sinful and unholy behavior in God's house. It was Micah's task to reflect God's holiness (purity, perfection, completeness and separation from evil) and to encourage the people to do what is right according to God's standards. 
2. ​Pastors and prophets today have the same task. They must not bend to pressures - even from within the church - to conform to sinful beliefs, behaviors or lifestyles that are common in the world. Instead, the must be God's voice for truth, righteousness and holiness. 

Reflection Question:

• What are the characteristics of the leadership of Israel during the time of Micah? 
• Do we have leadership in current times similar to the time of Micah?
• Explain the similarities. What can you do to fulfill your responsibility to warn leaders about the hazards of bad leadership? 
• ​How can you fight back against bad leaders?

I hope you are enjoying this study as much as I am. Please leave me your thoughts on our study of Micah.

​Don't miss a thing! Sign up to get updates delivered to you inbox

​DO NOT PROPHESY. 
Judah's false prophets were criticizing Micah for bringing a message of judgement (Isaiah 30:10). 

1. They rejected his prophecy of gloom and doom (sadness and destruction). They insisted that God's people would never suffer shame and disgrace because God was God of love and forgiveness, and not anger. 
2. Their optimistic message gave the people a false sense of security and allowed them to continue neglecting God's laws and standard. 
3. Sometimes the church today gets so caught up with the positive message of God's love, mercy and forgiveness that it ignores His righteous standards and expectation for holiness (moral purity, spiritual integrity and separation from evil, Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16). A church that overlooks or tolerates deliberate or willful sin among its people should listen again to the clear message of both the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament church leaders (1 Corinthians 5-6).

WINE AND BEER 
​Micah was mocking the people by saying anyone could gain a following if they promised prosperity and plenty of intoxicating drink for everyone who wanted it. His words were meant to cut through their foolish thinking. They were eagerly accepting false prophets who only predicted "positive" things. Today there are still pastors who refuse to warn God's people about the consequences of adopting the ungodly social customs of the society in which they live. ​

​THE REMNANT OF ISRAEL.
​Micah adds a word of hope be announcing that God would spare a remnant - a small portion of faithful people - from Israel and Judah, who would return to the promised land following their time in Elie (Isaiah 6:13; 10:20; 17:7). The land would again be filled with the quick and hurried activity of people going about their daily business. (2 Kings 15:29; 17:5; 24:1).

​Reflection Question:

• What do those who abuse their power do? 
• How should we respond to them?
• What promises does the Lord make?

​Thank you for joining me.
Also I would like to hear from you.
Please feel free to leave a short note or a comment.
Blessings,
​​Margarita & Stace

MICAH. 
 Micah, from southern Judah, prophesied sometime between 750-687 B.C. He lived during the same time as the prophets Isaiah (Isaiah 1:1) and Hosea (Hosea 1:1). 
His message was directed mainly to Judah (the southern kingdom), through part of his revelation also involved Israel (the northern kingdom). While Micah's main theme was judgment, he also stressed God's mercy and salvation. For that reason, he gives prophecies of doom as well as prophecies of hope and restoration of God's people. ​

​SAMARIA AND JERUSALEM. 
Samaria was the capital of Israel, and Jerusalem was the capital of Judah. Both were spiritually rebellious nations that, for the most part, had abandoned their faith in God. Because of this, the Lord wan coming (Verse 3) to bring His judgement on these rebellious and wayward nations (Verse 5-7).

TRANSGRESSION...SINS. 
​Jacob is another name for Israel (Jacob, son of Isaac, was one of the nation's forefathers whose name God changed to Israel, (Genesis 32:28). The nation's people would be judged for their many sins (offenses against God), which included worshiping false gods (Verse 7), immorality (Verse 7), crime and injustice (Micah 2;1-2). These sins that were widespread in the capital cities were also being practiced throughout the nations. ​

SAMARIA A HEAP OF RUBBLE. 
​This prophecy was fulfilled in 722 B.C., when the Assyrians completely destroyed the city (2 Kings 17:1-6)and carried away all the wealth gained through ungodliness ("from the wages of prostitutes," verse 7, which was another way of describing spiritual unfaithfulness and idol worship). This defeat happened soon after Micah prophesied that it would come. ​

I WILL WEEP AND WAIL. 
​Micah was grieved over Samaria's fall, which marked the collapse of Judah's sister nation of Israel (Verse 6). He was heartbroken that they had rejected God and had to suffer the consequences. God's faithful people should always experience a sense of sorrow when people continue to rebel against God and continue on the path to their own destruction. ​

IT HAS COME TO JUDAH. 
​Judah was just as guilty as Israel in breaking God's laws and rebelling against Him. They had no reason to feel relieved or secure simply because they had not received judgment at the same me. In fact, Micah called on certain town in Judah (Verse 10-16) to mourn in advance for the destruction that was about to come on them. Micah's prophecy was fulfilled when Sennacherib conquered many on the walled cities of Judah (2 Kings 18:13) according to Assyrian records, he took 46 cities in Judah. ​

​GATH...BETH OPHRAH. 
This passage contains several clever wordplays (a form of communicating where words are used in such a way that they have a double meaning.)

SHAVE YOUR HEADS.
​Shaving one's head was an outward sign of sorrow, so Micah was warning the people to expect a time of great grief over the coming tragedy. 
*Judgment would be severe; their children would be taken from them and carried away into captivity. Micah made it clear that God's people could not reject the Lord without suffering terrible consequences. 
* Those who turn from God or find no place in their lives for Him and His Word (as they try to be like others around them) will find themselves standing against Christ and open to disaster. 

Reflection Question:

• How is God characterized in verses 1-7? 
• What can God do to nature when He judges? 
• What can He do to cities? ​
• What authority does the prophet have to give his message?

BIBLE STUDY TOOLS I USE:

• NIV Bible
• KJV, Personal Size Reference Bible
• Map Pencils
• College Ruled Spiral Notebook
• R.S.V.P. Ballpoint Pen

Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission—but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

If you would like the eBook to this Bible Study Visit our Store to Purchase a eBook download. ​

​Thank you for joining me.
Also I would like to hear from you.
Please feel free to leave a short note or a comment.
Blessings,
​​Margarita & Stace

​The book of Micah contains many warnings of doom and prophecies of hope. In this study on Micah I hope to provide an overview and lessons we can learn from the book of Micah.

The prophet Micah was from the small town of Moresheth Gath in southern Judah, a productive agricultural area about 25 miles southwest of Jerusalem. Like Amos, he came from the rural countryside, probably from a family of humble status. While the prophet Isaiah was in Jerusalem addressing the king and international affairs, Micah was a country prophet who was deeply sensitive to the social issues that affected the small towns and villages throughout Judah. 
The people and their leaders kept choosing their path of evil and rebellion against God. He foretold of the fall of Israel and destruction of its capital, Samaria, as well as the total defeat of Judah and its capital, Jerusalem. 
In this study we will read the book of Micah. I will give a summary of each chapter, and leave you with some questions to think about.  Please leave your comments and thoughts below so we can discuss the study. ​

I look forward to having you join me for this new online study. Invite your friends!
​I will post Chapter 1 tomorrow. 
If you would like the eBook to this Bible Study Visit our Store to Purchase a eBook download. ​​

​Let's get started!

​Prayer That God’s Word Is Opened Up To Our Hearts
Lord, we ask that You would prepare our hears as we engage in the study of Your Word. Open our hearts and minds to the mysteries and truths that are hidden within its pages, and may we discover a clarity of understanding within Your Word that was hitherto hidden from us.
Give us unity of the spirit and a desire to learn new truths, as we open up Your Word. May we have a willingness to learn from the Great Teacher. May Your Holy Spirit guide us into all truth and expand our understanding of Your Word in a real and living way.
​In Jesus' name, Amen.

​BIBLE STUDY TOOLS I USE:

• NIV Bible
• KJV, Personal Size Reference Bible
• Map Pencils
• College Ruled Spiral Notebook
• R.S.V.P. Ballpoint Pen

Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission—but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

​Thank you for joining me.
Also I would like to hear from you.
Please feel free to leave a short note or a comment.
Blessings,
​​Margarita & Stace