Introduction to Micah

VI.Corruption of the People (7:1-7)

A.Lament over a decadent society (7:1-6)

B.Waiting in hope (7:7)

VII.Future Reversal of Defeat and Destruction (7:8-20)

A.God’s anger over sin and his salvation (7:8-10)

B.An exodus from exile (7:11-17)

C.God’s forgiveness of sin and his salvation (7:18-20)

Jotham, king of Judah 750-732

Micah begins his prophetic ministry. 750

Tiglath-pileser III comes to power as king of Assyria and begins a program of expansion and domination of the region. 745

Death of King Uzziah of Judah 740

Isaiah’s call to be a prophet 740

Ahaz, king of Judah 735-716

Tiglath-pileser III’s invasions of Israel 734-732

Pekah of Israel and Rezin of Damascus form a mutual defense alliance against Assyria and invite Ahaz of Judah to join them. 734

Ahaz refuses Isaiah’s counsel and seeks protection from Assyria by paying tribute to them, creating a heavy financial burden on Judah for years to come. 734

Micah prophesies the fall of Samaria.

Alliance between Syria and Israel collapses with the fall of Damascus. 732

Assyria’s Shalmaneser V besieges Samaria (725-722) which falls to Sargon II. 722

Hezekiah, king of Judah 716-687

Micah prophesies Jerusalem’s destruction, the Babylonian captivity, the return from exile, and the birth of God’s future Davidic ruler in Bethlehem.

Hezekiah’s reforms 715

Assyria’s King Sennacherib conquers 46 Judean towns and villages and besieges Jerusalem. 701

Micah’s prophetic work ends about the time of Hezekiah’s death. 686

Josiah’s reforms 622

Nebuchadnezzar attacks Jerusalem and leads citizens of Judah into exile. The temple is destroyed. 605, 597, 586

Cyrus issues decree allowing the Jews to return to Judah. 538

Events in Ezra 538-457

Second temple construction under Zerubbabel’s and Joshua’s leadership. 536-515

Second temple dedicated 515

Jesus of Nazareth, son of David, is born in Bethlehem. 5