A BibleInteract Production

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1 STUDY GUIDE Study Guide 1 of 8 A Study of the Book of Micah An 8-part Study on Micah Taught by Dr. Anne Davis Session 1: Micah 1:1-19 A BibleInteract Production

2 SUMMARY: We will begin our study on the Book of Micah by exploring the historical and cultural background in which the book was composed. Who was Micah? What was happening when he was writing? Micah prophesied of coming events to both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. However, the focus of the following study will be on Micah s prophetic words that give us a glimpse of the last days. As you listen to the video lecture, we suggest you take notes in this outline of the presentation, which will help you organize your thoughts in a logical progression. OUTLINE OF THE PRESENTATION: I. Who was Micah? II. What was happening at the time that Micah prophesied? A. Divided Kingdom B. Approach of the Assyrians III. What was Micah s message? A. Jeremiah 26:18 B. Micah 1:6 Session 1: Micah 1:1-19 Page 1

3 C. Micah 1:5 D. Micah 1:12, 16 WORDS TO BE DEFINED Note a brief definition in English. If you are learning to read biblical Hebrew, practice saying the Hebrew aloud. 1. Concordance (ש מ ר ון ( Samaria 2. (י ר וש ל ם ( Jerusalem 3. (י ש ר א ל ( Israel.4 (י ה וד ה ( Judah 5. (ר חב ע ם ( Rehoboam.6 Session 1: Micah 1:1-19 Page 2

4 PROJECTS 1. To fully appreciate the writings of the prophets of Israel, one must begin by vicariously participating in the events that were occurring at the time. The prophet will be responding to these events in his writings. Use your Bible atlas to learn about the period of time during the Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel with its capital at Samaria, and the subsequent Assyrian devastation of the towns and villages of Judah with the sole exception of Judah s capital Jerusalem. 2. Micah was pouring out his heart to exhort the people of Judah to turn away from their sinful behavior and return to God. Much of his prophetic activity took place during the reign of the evil king Ahaz of Judah. Use your Bible atlas and also the internet to learn about King Ahaz and his ungodly actions, which had a significant impact on the people in the Kingdom of Judah. 3. In Micah 1:9-12. Micah is warning these communities in Judah that the sins of Samaria (referring to the northern kingdom of Israel) have come to Judah. On the map, find Micah s village. Why is there a question mark? Where would you place Jerusalem? Can you find any of the communities that Micah warned? Why are many of them not on this map? Session 1: Micah 1:1-19 Page 3

5 APPLICATION 1. Compare the sinful ways of the people during the reign of King Ahaz with what you see around you today. During your discussion fill in the chart below. Sinful activities during the reign of Ahaz Equivalent sinful activities today Discussion 1. Read Micah 1:3-5. Biblical Hebrew was composed for a people who learned by listening because only the wealthy could afford to own scrolls of the Holy Writings. Therefore, this passage is expressed with vivid imagery and exaggerated symbolism that is not meant to be a literal (scientific) description Instead it evokes a powerful visual and emotional response. Describe your response to this passage. Session 1: Micah 1:1-19 Page 4

6 2. What were the consequences that God brought on the people of Judah for their sinful behavior? Do you think something similar will happen in our country? Hebrew: This section is for those who are learning to read biblical Hebrew. ש מ ע ו עמ ים כ ל ם הק ש יב י א ר ץ ומ לא ה ו יה י א דנ י י הו ה ב כ ם ל ע ד א דנ י מ ה יכל ק ד ש ו 1. Much of the Book of Micah is delivered with emotional poetic rhythm. Begin by reading the Hebrew aloud even if you don t know all the words. Continue reading it aloud until you can read it without stumbling. 2. Now it is time to look up the meaning of the following words. קשב מ ל א Session 1: Micah 1:1-19 Page 5

7 ע ד ה יכ ל 3. Next you should take a marker of some kind and highlight the three 3-letter verbal roots in this passage. 4. The first verb is in the imperative (command) form. The second is also imperative, but this second command is expressed in the hiphil verb form. What is the purpose?הק ש יב י of the hiphil verb form, and how would you translate 5. Go back now and read the passage again in Hebrew. DON T TRANSL ATE. There still may be words in this passage that you don t know, but you should be able to get a sense of meaning from reading the Hebrew. Session 1: Micah 1:1-19 Page 6