How to Study Micah 

• 1. Micah 1:1 gives the historical setting of Micah. Read it carefully and answer as many of the "5 W's and an H" as you can concerning the who, when, where, why, what, and how of this book.  The reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, three kings of Judah, cover the years 750-686 B.C. Remember that Assyria conquered the northern kingdom in 722 B.C. and Babylon destroyed the southern kingdom in 586 B.C.

  2. For the historical background of the kings of Judah mentioned in Micah 1:1, read 2 Kings 15:32-20:21 and 2 Chronicles 27:1-33:20.

  3. Read through Micah to get an overview of the book. It divides into three messages, each of which stars with "hear" or "hear now." Mark Micah 1:2; 3:2; 6:1. Study the book accordingly.

  4. Read one chapter of Micah at a time or, if you prefer, one message at a time. As you observe the text of each chapter:

            a. Mark the keywords (with theirs synonyms and pronouns): Samaria, Jerusalem, Jacob, Israel, Judah, Zion, destroy (ed) (destruction), remnant, in that day (in the last days), My (Your, His people), woe, sin (iniquity, evil, rebellious  acts). You will find it helpful to record these on an index card that you can use as a bookmark while you study  Micah.

            b. Mark references to time with a clock ¹, such as when, then, in that day, in the last days.

            c. Since Micah's prophecy concerns Samaria (representing the northern kingdom of Israel) and Jerusalem (representing the southern kingdom of Judah), next to the word Samaria in Micah 1:1 write "NK" for northern kingdom. Next to the word Jerusalem write "SK" for southern kingdom.

               As you observe the text, watch which kingdom Micah is referring to. Observe what is said regarding their sins, the  consequences of their sin, their future, and the remnant. If it will help, list your insights in your notebook.

            d. Watch what God is going to do and to whom. Always note to whom Micah is referring.

            e. List everything you learn about Micah and what he is to do. 

            f. Record the theme or subject of each chapter in your Bible and on Structure of Micah. When you finish the last chapter of Micah, complete the chart.

    5. Record your insights from Micah on the last days if you think these pertain to the day of the Lord.

Key Words in the NIV and KJV

 Key doctrines  in Micah

1. God’s judgment of sin (1:2–2:5; 1 Chron. 16:33; Ps. 96:13; Eccl. 3:17; Matt. 7:22–23; John 12:48; Rom. 2:12; 2 Tim. 4:1; Rev. 20:12) 

2. God’s covenant with Israel’s forefathers (7:20; Gen. 15:7–18; 17:2–14, 19, 21; 26:3, 4; 28:13, 14; Ex. 6:4; 2 Sam. 23:5; 1 Chron. 16:16, 17; Ps. 89:3, 4; Luke 1:72–75; Acts 3:25; Gal. 3:16) 

Worksheets

Studies on Micah