Eric Thiele

January 29, 2016

Genesis to Revelation-Koester
Micah Bible Study
1. The book of Micah
a. I would start with introducing the participants to chapters one and two to help
them understand the basic set up of judgment and hope. Then transition to
chapters four through seven and introduce ideas and themes that they may have
heard before but with a renewed understanding.
b. Small Group
c. Mens or Womens group. Probably in their 50s, 60s, or older.
2. Background Information
a. Sources
i. Lutheran Study Bible
ii. Enter the Bible: Micah https://www.enterthebible.org/oldtestament.aspx?
rid=51
iii. Reading Hosea-Micah: A Literary and Theological Commentary by
Terrence Fretheim
iv. New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible
b. Review of the sources
i. Lutheran Study Bible
1. The Lutheran Study Bible was produced by Augsburg Fortress in
2009. There were many authors and editors that contributed to the
information that is in this Bible who are pastors, professors, and
Bible, theology, and history scholars. The authors and editors of
this Bible are using the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).
This Bible, simply by its name and the resources included within
are from a Lutheran theological point of view. Many of the
professors and scholars who contributed to the Bible are from
ELCA seminaries and colleges. The primary purpose of this Bible
is to provide historical, theological, and practical perspectives. This
is a great resource as it provides excellent comments and questions
throughout.
ii. Enter the Bible: Micah
1. This is an online resource produced by Luther Seminary. This
particular resource on the book of Jonah was written by Daniel
Simundson, Professor Emeritus of Old Testament. This resource
provides information about Micah from historical, theological, and
application of faith points of view. There several instances on this
resource where they provide information on the history
surrounding the time this book was written, where theological
issues might arise and how this book might be applicable to daily
life. This is certainly a resource geared toward providing an
overview of the book.
iii. Reading Hosea-Micah

1. This book was produced by Smyth and Helwys Publishing, a noted

publisher of biblical commentaries. The author of this particular
book is Terrence Fretheim, an Emeriti Professor of Old Testament
at Luther Seminary. He has written many books on Old Testament
books and theological themes. Dr. Fretheim is a well-respected
Bible scholar. In this book, Dr. Fretheim provides commentary on
Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah. Dr. Fretheim is
certainly concerned with the history and theological aspects of
each book but he also provides great questions for the reader to
consider as one goes through the book, as a whole.
iv. New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible
1. This Dictionary was produced by Abingdon Press. There are
several contributors to this dictionary collection from many
colleges and seminaries around the world. This resource provides a
lot of basic and advanced information regarding biblical
vocabulary. It is certainly a more scholarly resource that provides a
lot of historical and theological perspectives.
c. Background information on Micah
i. The book of Micah focuses on the evils done by the people of God and
thus judgments are pronounced upon them. There is also a consistent
pattern throughout this short seven chapter book where following a
pronouncement of judgment; there is also a pronouncement of hope. There
are three sets of these throughout Micah. In general, Micahs words of
judgment are directed toward powerful leaders, including politicians,
priests, and greedy traders. The words of hope are reserved for the people
without power who remained faithful to Gods covenant or promise to
Abraham, In all three sections of Micah, hope wins out in the end.1
ii. The book of Micah is primarily written in the eight century BCE, when
Micah was alive. Micah was a contemporary of Amos, Hosea, and Isaiah.
Micahs message is primarily directed toward the people in the southern
kingdom of Judah.
iii. Some of the primary themes of this book include, hope, judgment, and
justice. These are central to Micah as they show up consistently
throughout this book. There is concern for social evils, the restoration of
Israel, obedience, and ultimately trust in God.
3. Plan for the Bible Study
a. Opening
i. Opening prayer
ii. Discussion: What does justice mean for you? What sorts of things come to
mind? Might our criminal justice system come to mind? Punishments for
committing a crime? Fair or not?
iii. Who might the responsible parties be when punishment is given? Where
might there be room for leadership to have special responsibility?
iv. Where might hope be present? Is there light at the end of the tunnel?
1 Lutheran Study Bible: New Revised Standard Version (Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2009), 1503.

v. The concepts of hope, judgment, and justice are central themes to the book
of Micah. Throughout this book, we will encounter a word of judgment
quickly followed by a word of hope. Throughout each of these, see if you
can identify the responsible party who will receive judgment then search
for the word of hope. See if you can identify this pattern. What might each
of these mean for the people at the time this book was written? What about
for us today?
b. Study
i. Discussion: what is a prophet? What have you been told a prophet is?
What have you been told a prophet is not?
1. Provide information about what a prophet is and is not. A prophet
is a messengercalled by God. Delivering a message to the
people. Thus when a prophet says God will or will not do
something, it is assured to happen or not happen.
ii. Provide background about the time period in which Micah was written
iii. Read Micah 1:1-7
1. What is the core message in these verses? Is this a message of hope
or judgment? How do you know? An announcement of judgment
against Israel (northern kingdom) and Judah (southern kingdom)
2. Who does this passage condemn?
3. These places listed will be destroyed and shall become an utter
wasteland
iv. Read Micah 1:8-16
1. Is this hope or judgment?
2. These verses are certainly a continued judgment as they give clues
about the suffering that is to come.
v. Read Micah 2:1-11
1. This is a listing of the social evils committed by Gods chosen
people.
2. Who does this passage condemn? The rich, the social well-off.
3. There is an objection by the people in verse 6 but Micah reiterates
their offenses.
vi. Read Micah 2:12-13
1. Hope or judgment?
2. Why is this hope? What does this passage offer as hope to the
people?
vii. Do you see the pattern that is forming?
1. There is a word of judgment and indictment followed by a brief
word of hope.
viii. Provide basic info on chapter 3
1. This condemns corrupt leaders
ix. Read Micah 4:1-5
1. Is this a word of hope or judgment?
2. What is the hope provided?
a. They shall know war no more
3. Where have you heard verses 1-3 before?

4. Compare with Isaiah 2:2-4

a. Isaiah and Micah were contemporaries. They wrote and
lived about the same time
b. War-making equipment will be turned into food-producing
instruments
c. Peace is the ultimate end. A new future promised
d. Restoration of Israel will come after exile as verses 6-13
offer
x. Read Micah 5:2-5a
1. Hope or judgment?
2. Why is this hope? A new ruler will come out of Bethlehem.
3. Read Matthew 2:6
a. Why might this be an important passage to remember?
b. When do we hear about a ruler coming out of Bethlehem?
Think Christmas once again.
c. We heard about King David who came up out of
Bethlehem, but now a different kind of king will emerge
from Bethlehem: Jesus. A new kind of kingdom will come.
xi. Read Micah 6:1-8
1. God issues a challenge to the people of Israel: what is it? What
does God now expect from Gods own people?
2. The people are reminded that they already know what God wants
from them--not sacrifice, but justice, love, kindness, and a humble
walk with God.2
3. Discussion: What might these challenges have looked like for the
people then? What about for us today?
xii. Summarize the remainder of the book
1. In the rest of chapter 6, God issues another judgment upon Gods
people.
2. Start of chapter 7: Israel is once again indicted for the sins they
have committed.
3. Verses 8-20 brings a message of salvation and hope for Gods
people.
xiii. Read Micah 7:18-20
1. Reminder of who God is and Gods steadfast love and faithfulness
to Gods own people.
c. Closing
i. Summarize thoughts on the book as a whole
ii. What sorts of things did you notice about this books structure of judgment
and hope? Why was God angry? Why does God provide hope for Gods
people?
1. In the end God chooses life and salvation for Gods people.
iii. Discussion: What is justice based on in the book of Micah?
2 Daniel Simundson, Micah, Enter the Bible, accessed January 26, 2016,
https://www.enterthebible.org/oldtestament.aspx?rid=51,Outline.

iv. How might our idea of justice differ from God? Justice viewed through the
generations? Where might we see this topic at work in our world today?
v. Closing prayer

Bibliography
Fretheim, Terence E. Reading Hosea-Micah: A Literary and Theological Commentary. Reading
The Old Testament. Macon, Georgia: Smyth & Helwys Pub., 2013.
Lutheran Study Bible: New Revised Standard Version. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2009.
The New Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2009.
Simundson, Daniel, Micah. Enter the Bible. Accessed January 26, 2016.
https://www.enterthebible.org/oldtestament.aspx?rid=51