July 14, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

For most people the Book of Micah is best remembered as the prophecy that was consulted by Herod's advisors when the Wise Men came to Jerusalem wondering where the newborn King of the Jews was.  The advisors read from Micah's prophecy in chapter 5 and verse 2 that the birth would happen in Bethlehem in Judea.  Of course, Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah, had much more to say about all of Israel and some of the surrounding nations.

Micah 1 - Micah starts off his prophecy against Israel and her idolatry, verse 7.  He warned the nation that their children would be taken into captivity, verse 16.

Micah 2 - Micah warns against thinking the "might makes right" verse 1 and he speaks against the prophets in Israel who try to undermine the true messages from God's faithful prophets.  A good question is asked at the end of verse 7, "Do not My words do good to him who walks uprightly?"

Micah 3 - God speaks against the leaders of Israel who "hate good and love evil," verse 2.  They call out to God, but He won't answer, verse 7.  But Micah knows his words are from God, verse 8. 

Micah 4 - The famous line that is etched on the walls of the United Nations building in New York are found in verse 3, "They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not life up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore."  Of course, this is speaking of the future Millennial Kingdom of our God.  Note verse 7 that speaks of God reigning from Zion (Jerusalem).

Micah 5 - When you read verse 2, note that this Deliverer has the description of one who is "...from old, from everlasting."  That is a clear statement of His Divinity.  (See Psalm 90:2).  This Deliverer would act and speak as a Shepherd, verse 4.

Micah 6 - Amidst the prophecies of the future, Micah asks the question about what would really please the Lord.  Take special note of what isn't important, and what is, as you read verses 6-8.  You'll find a parallel passage in Deuteronomy 10:12.

Micah 7 - Don't miss the encouragement Micah found in God, verses 7, 8 and later in verses 18, 19.  The latter two verses speak of God's forgiveness and removal of our sins "into the depths of the sea."

By the way, since their are 66 books in the Bible, Micah is the 33rd book, thus it is the middle of the Bible as far as the number of books is concerned.  And Micah chapter 7 is the 900th chapter of the Bible.