Book of Micah facts for kids

The Book of Micah is an important part of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It's like a special message from a long time ago. Experts believe a man named Micah, a prophet, wrote it around 700 years before Jesus was born.

Micah came from a town called Moresheth in southern Judah. He lived during the time of kings like Yehotam, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. This was roughly between 750 and 700 BC.

During Micah's time, the powerful Neo-Assyrian empire was a big threat. This empire was a strong military force in the region. Micah warned that bad things would happen to the people. He said this would be a punishment for worshiping idols and for powerful people treating the poor unfairly.

His warnings came true for the kingdom of Israel (Samaria) in 721 BC. Later, the kingdom of Judah (Jerusalem) faced similar problems about 100 years after that. The Book of Micah shares warnings about these punishments. But it also gives messages of hope and promises that things will get better.

Micah's Important Messages

The Book of Micah is filled with important lessons. It talks about how people should live their lives. Micah believed that God wanted people to be fair and kind. He also taught that people should be humble.

Justice and Kindness

Micah's most famous message is about what God wants from people. He said it's not about big sacrifices or grand gestures. Instead, it's about how you treat others every day.

He taught that people should "do justly." This means being fair and honest in everything you do. It's about making sure everyone is treated with respect.

Micah also said to "love mercy." This means being kind and forgiving. It's about showing compassion to those who need it. It's about helping others when they are struggling.

Walking Humbly

Another key part of Micah's message is to "walk humbly with your God." This means being modest and not thinking you are better than others. It's about recognizing that you are part of something bigger. It's about listening and learning.

These ideas are still important today. They teach us how to be good people. They show us how to build a fair and caring community.

Famous Quotes from Micah

The Book of Micah contains several powerful statements. Some of these words are quoted in other important texts. They show how Micah's messages continued to influence people.

A Ruler from Bethlehem

One famous quote from Micah is about the town of Bethlehem. It talks about a future ruler for Israel. This quote is found in Micah chapter 5, verse 2.

The New Testament writer Matthew quotes this verse. He uses it in Matthew chapter 2, verses 5 and 6. It says:

• Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are one of the smallest towns in Judah, but out of you I will bring a ruler for Israel, whose family line goes back to ancient times.

Families Divided

Another quote from Micah talks about how messages can sometimes divide families. Jesus himself quotes Micah chapter 7, verse 6. He uses it to explain that his message might cause disagreements even within families.

This quote is found in Matthew chapter 10, verse 36. It says:

• A man’s enemies will be those of his own household.

What God Requires

Many speakers and leaders today still quote Micah chapter 6, verse 8. This verse sums up Micah's main teaching. It tells us what God truly wants from people.

It says:

• He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

This verse is a simple guide for living a good life. It focuses on fairness, kindness, and humility.

Images for kids

• 

  Assyrian warriors with slings from a palace, 7th century BCE

• 

  Assyrian soldiers with Judeans (Neo-Assyrian art)

See also

In Spanish: Libro de Miqueas para niños