MICAH (Who is like unto Jehovah?) was a native of Moresheth-gath, E. of Eleutheropolis. He follows the three previous prophets, and Isaiah (who survived him), reiterating their warnings. He died in the days of Hezekiah (Jer. xxvi. 18, 19). He is referred to as a prophet by Jeremiah; his language is quoted by Zephanian (iii. 19), Ezekiel (xxii. 27), and by our Lord (Matt. x. 35, 36). He depicts (1) the ruin of both kingdoms; (2) he pourtrays the future and better destinies of the people; (3) the mercy and justice of God in contrast with the ingratitude of His people. He foretells the invasions of Shalmaneser and Sennacherib; the dispersion of Israel; cessation of prophecy; destruction of Jerusalem; of Assyria; the birthplace of Christ; His Divine nature; the universality of His Kingdom.

From the superscription, he prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, i.e. for a period of about fifty years, since Jotham came to the throne B.C. 756, and Hezekiah died B.C. 697.

Hebrew tradition asserts that he transmitted from Isaiah, to Joel, Nahum, and Habakkuk, the mysteries of the Kabbala. One prophecy (iii. 12) belongs to Hezekiah's reign, and probably preceded the great Passover (Jer. xxvi. 18).

Summary. Although the prophecies were probably delivered at different times, they have been cast into one complete whole in their present form, no doubt by the prophet himself. They are divided into three sections, each marked by a formula, "Hear ye," each commencing with denunciation and ending with a promise.

Section I. The Advent of Jehovah for judgment of the idolatry of Israel and Judah. 1. (i.-ii. 13). Forewarning of impending judgment. 2. Its cause—the unfaithfulness of prophets. 3. The threatened punishment; viz. the scourge of an Assyrian invasion. 4. Promise of restoration.

Section II. Judgment on Jerusalem. 1. Rebuke of the rulers of the people (iii. 14). 2. Rebuke of false prophets (iii. 6). 3. Punishment in the desolation of Mount Sion (iii. 9-12). 4. Restoration of Zion, its Temple, and of the people, with a gathering in of all nations under the sovereignty of the Messiah (iv.-v. 15). [Ewald divides this portion into four strophes.]

Section III. Dialogue between Jehovah and His people, in justification of His government (ch. vi.).