Question 1

Who is Micah the Morasthite in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Micah the Morasthite is God’s prophet who brings this message of judgment. “Morasthite” means he came from a small town in Judah, likely Moresheth or Mareshah. He served during the reigns of three kings of Judah: Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. His job was to speak God’s word to both the northern kingdom (often called Israel, with its capital in Samaria) and the southern kingdom (Judah, with its capital in Jerusalem). This introduction shows that what follows is not Micah’s own idea, but a word that came from the LORD.

Question 2

What does it mean that the word of the LORD came to Micah?

Accepted Answer

When it says “the word of the LORD” came to Micah, it means that God himself gave Micah this message. Micah is not giving his own thoughts or advice. He is acting like a messenger who delivers a letter from a king. God revealed to him what was going to happen to Samaria and Jerusalem and why. Because it is God’s word, the people are meant to treat it seriously, listen carefully, and not brush it off as just another human opinion or speech.

Question 3

Why does Micah call on all people and the whole earth to hear?

Accepted Answer

Micah begins by saying, “Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is.” This shows that God’s judgment on Samaria and Jerusalem is not a small, private matter. It is like a court case where all creation is called to watch and listen. God himself is the witness from his holy temple. This makes clear that the people are truly accountable for their sins, and that what happens to them is a warning and lesson to everyone, not only to Israel and Judah in that time.

Question 4

What does it mean that the LORD comes out of his place and treads on high places?

Accepted Answer

The picture of the LORD coming out of his place and treading on the high places means God is rising up to act in judgment. The “high places” were often sites of idol worship and also stand for proud, secure strongholds. God stepping on them shows that no shrine, city, or power is too strong for him. The mountains melting and valleys splitting like wax before fire or water on a steep slope paints how nothing can stand when God decides to judge. It stresses his power and the seriousness of their sin.

Question 5

What is the transgression of Jacob and why is it called Samaria?

Accepted Answer

When Micah asks, “What is the transgression of Jacob? is it not Samaria?” he is pointing to Samaria as the center and symbol of Israel’s sin. Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom, had become a place filled with idols and false worship. The sins that began there spread through the nation. So Samaria is named as if it sums up Jacob’s (Israel’s) rebellion. In the same way, Jerusalem is called the high places of Judah, showing that even the main city, which should have led in true worship, had turned to sin.

Question 6

What judgment does God announce against Samaria in this passage?

Accepted Answer

God says he will make Samaria “as an heap of the field” and “as plantings of a vineyard.” This means the city will be torn down so badly that it will be like a field or hillside ready to plant vines, with its stones poured down into the valley and its foundations exposed. All its carved images will be smashed, its idol treasures burned, and its idols laid waste. The picture is of complete ruin, showing that their pride, buildings, idols, and wealth cannot protect them from God’s judgment.

Question 7

What does the hire of a harlot mean in verse 7?

Accepted Answer

The “hire of a harlot” refers to wealth gained through unfaithful and sinful worship, like a prostitute’s pay. Samaria had poured its money and effort into idols, trusting them and serving them, instead of being faithful to God. God says that the treasures gathered through this false worship will be destroyed and will go back to nothing, like wages that are quickly spent and gone. It shows that money and success tied to sin and idols will not last and will not bring real blessing.

Question 8

What does this passage teach about God’s character and sin?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God is holy and does not ignore sin. He watches from his holy temple and then “comes down” to act when people keep turning away from him. Idolatry, false worship, and injustice are not small mistakes but real rebellion. God’s coming shakes even mountains, which means his power reaches everywhere. At the same time, by sending a clear warning through Micah, God is giving people a chance to see their sin, understand why judgment is coming, and turn back to him in repentance.

Question 9

How can this warning to Samaria and Jerusalem apply to people today?

Accepted Answer

Today we may not bow to carved statues, but we can still set up idols in our hearts, like money, status, or comfort. This passage reminds us that God sees what we trust most and what we give our hearts to. He is not fooled by outward religion if our lives are filled with hidden sin or divided loyalty. The fall of Samaria and the warning to Jerusalem call us to examine what we rely on, turn from anything that rivals God, and return to honest worship and obedience before judgment comes.

Micah 1:1

The word of the Lord that came to Micah the Morasthite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.

Judgment to Come

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Micah 1:1

The word of the Lord that came to Micah the Morasthite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.

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Judgment to Come

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