Mi'cah, The Book of. Three sections of this work represent three natural divisions of the prophecy - Micah 1-2; Micah 3-5; Micah 6-7 - each commencing with rebukes and threatening and closing with a promise.

The first section opens with a magnificent description of the coming of Jehovah with judgment for the sins and idolatries of Israel and Judah, Micah 1:2-4, and the sentence pronounced upon Samaria, Micah 5-9, by the Judge himself. The sentence of captivity is passed upon them, Micah 2:10, but is followed instantly by a promise of restoration and triumphant return. Micah 2:12-13.

The second section is addressed especially to the princes and heads of the people: their avarice and rapacity are rebuked in strong terms, but the threatening is again succeeded by a promise of restoration.

In the last section, Micah 6-7, Jehovah, by a bold poetical figure, is represented as holding a controversy with his people, pleading with them in justification of his conduct toward , and the reasonableness of his requirements. The whole concludes with a triumphal song of joy at the great deliverance, like that from Egypt, which Jehovah will achieve, and a full acknowledgment of his mercy and faithfulness of his promises. Micah 16-20. The last verse is reproduced in the song of Zacharias. Luke 1:72-73. Micah's prophecies are distinct and clear. He it is who says that the Ruler shall spring from Bethlehem. Luke 5:2. His style has been compared with that of Hosea and Isaiah. His diction is vigorous and forcible, sometimes obscure from the abruptness of its transitions, but varied and rich.