Justin Houtz

Micah 1

DateVersionReading Plan
@November 24, 2023ESV (2016)ESV Prophets Plan 2023

Pericopes

  • The Coming Destruction

Notes/Application

The word of the LORD came to Micah of Moresheth to prophesy concerning both northern and southern kingdoms. It was a word for all people that the LORD was coming out of His place, the temple, and would tread upon the “high places” (Mic. 1:3 – referring to both mountains and altars of idolatry). Israel’s apostasy included pagan cult prostitution and gained wages through its practice. These wages would be stolen by the Assyrians used again for prostitution, thus conducting themselves with the very same wickedness of Israel. Micah manifested lamentation over these actions by wailing and stripping naked. The lament cleverly continues in a listing of various cities of Israel and Judah that will be effected by the Assyrian invasion. Micah calls on the people to cut their hair in mourning and make themselves “bald as the eagle” (Micah 1:16) as they would flee to Adullam in exile.

That the invading Assyrians used the fees of the prostitutes for more prostitution demonstrates just how far Israel had gone astray. A nation set apart by God, with whom He had chosen to enter a covenant now looked no different than the surrounding Gentile nations. Reading this should give us pause and call up an analysis of our own with the Lord. Are we living in a way that is indistinguishable from the world or as distinct servants of God. Is our disposition such that it vehemently collides with the spirit of the age? Do we embrace this collision and the inevitable discomfort that comes with our status as sojourners and exiles? Some things to consider and whether our words and actions reflect a heart that has been divinely selected for kingdom purpose.

Scripture Journal Notes

Commentaries & Resources Used