Pastor’s Nexus

Having denounced Judah’s leaders (Mic. 3:1-12), Micah announced good news: an ideal, eternal king would someday rule over the land (5:2). This unique hope offered a glimmer of light in the midst of the gathering darkness (5:1; 7:8).

On the surface, Micah’s prophecy seems to imply that the rulerw as coming right away. Actually, seven centries separated the prophet from the Ruler whom he was heralding. Yet in terms of God’s timetable, the MEssiah’s appearing was just around the corner. Samaria would call (c. 722 B.C.), and Jerusalem would soon follow (c. 587 B.C.). Decades later, Jews would begin returning to Palestine. Then the next major event in the Lord’s plan would be the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. He would bring everlasting salvation, not only to the people of Israel, but to the whole world (7:7, 18-20).

From The Word in Life™ Study Bible, copyright © 1993, 1996 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.

Micah 4:1-7

War is often the result of people living in fear of being attacked or robbed. When people feel defenceless, their possessions–whether weapons for protection or food sources–often take an inflated value. Nearly all of their energies are taken up with holding on to what little they have left.

Micah offered words of hope to the frightened people of Judah. He envisioned a time without war or the weapons of war (Mic. 4:3), a time of peace and security when everyone would have plenty of food (4:4). Actually, this was God’s original design for the world (Gen. 1:27-31). It was humanity’s sinful rebellion that brought about the struggle for material well-being that so often leads to armed conflict (3:17-19; 4:3-14). But according to Micah’s prophecy, the Lord will ultimately resolve the issues of war and access to adequate resources. The humanity will live in peace and abundance, and the joy God (compare Rev. 21:1-5; 22:1-5).

Micah’s encouraging vision offers hope to us as God’s people as we journey through this life. Are you trusting God for safety, food, and the future? In turn, are you a source of hope to others by telling them of God’s promises, and by seeing to their basic needs?

From The Word in Life™ Study Bible, copyright © 1993, 1996 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.

Well, this is the chapter we are studying for next week.

One of the themes of this chapter is justice. I think that social justice is one main themes in the book of Micah.

We have already seen in chapter 2 the way people acted “just because the could” robbing and abusing others. In this chapter the abuse and injustice is done by the princes (rulers) and the priests (religious leaders).

What else have you found in this chapter?