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Old Testament Notes
Micah was from Moresheth, about 20 miles south of Jerusalem, on the border with Philistia. His message was to both the northern kingdom of Israel, and the southern kingdom of Judah, warning them of God's judgment on their idolatry and their corrupt and unjust society. Judah repented, and survived the invasion of the Assyrians, but Samaria did not repent, and was overrun and taken into captivity by the Assyrians.
Other prophets who were active at the same time as Micah were Hosea and perhaps Amos in the northern kingdom, and Isaiah in Jerusalem
Micah 1:1 - The days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah would have covered the period 750-700 BC.
Micah 1:5 - the "transgression of Jacob" referred to was the worship of Bull Calves set up by Jeroboam I
Micah 1:6 - Samaria was indeed overrun and destroyed by the Assyrians not long after this prophecy - probably even in the lifetime of Micah
Micah 1:9 - the infection of idolatry had spread from the northern kingdom to Judah and Jerusalem
Micah 1:10 - Gath was a Philistine city - they would have been pleased to hear of destruction coming to Israel
Micah 3:5 - there were false prophets, who were saying that there was nothing wrong with the way people were living, or who would try to put a curse on anyone who did not give them money.
Micah 3:11 - the prophets, priests, and judges were all taking bribes to pervert the truth, but were still claiming to speak for God
Micah, chapter 4 is a prophecy that looks beyond exile in Babylon (verse 10) to the restoration of Jerusalem
Micah 4:1-3 - the same prophecy was given to Isaiah (Isaiah 2:2-4)
Micah 5:2 - was recognized as a prophecy of the birth of the Messiah, even before the time of Jesus' birth - see Matthew 2:1-8
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