Thursday 12 June 2014
- Bible Book:
- Micah
“But as for me, I am filled with power, with the spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.” (v. 8)
Background
Very little is known about the Micah apart the book itself whichreveals that the prophet comes from Moresheth in southern Judah,during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezediah, which dates him toaround 750-700BC (Micah 1:1). He is also mentioned in passing inJeremiah 26:18.
It was a time of relative peace and prosperity, although theregion was coming under pressure from the nearby Assyrian empire.Peace and prosperity brought its own problems, though, with theopportunity for corruption, complacency and misuse of power.
Against this Micah attacks unjust leaders, defends the rights ofthe poor and advocates social justice.
In today's passage he condemns the rulers of Israel for theirlack of justice. Micah pulls no punches with graphic language(verses 2-3), and ends by saying God has no time for them (verse4).
And even the prophets are no better (verses 5-7).
But Micah is different as the final verse makes clear.
The significant part of this passage is that the "spirit of theLord" is linked "with justice and might". It is not spirit withoutpurpose, but Spirit with intent. And that is something we ignore atour peril.
To Ponder
- Micah links the spirit of the Lord with justice and might. Withwhat do you link the Holy Spirit?
- Where do you see God's Spirit of justice and might at worktoday?