Advent prophets

By Patricia Kasten
Compass Associate Editor

Micah

	An Advent series on Catholic Social Teaching

When: Eighth century B.C.

Background: Micah was from a rural town, Moresheth, about 25 miles southwest of Jerusalem. He was a prophet during the reign of three kings of Judah (the southern kingdom of Israel): two good kings (Jotham and Hezekiah) and one bad (Ahaz, the husband of Queen Jezebel). Though from a farming area, Micah shows a great deal of education and familiarity with court proceedings in his writings and is thought to have been an elder in the community. He was a contemporary of the great prophet, Isaiah.

Name means: Who is like Yahweh? (It is very similar to Michael, meaning "Who is like God?")

	A d v e n t
	• Other Everyday People, Everyday Faith articles
	• Other Advent articles

Message: Since he was a prophet during a period of nearly 60 years, he witnessed both times of religious idolatry - under King Ahaz - and religious reform - under King Hezekiah - Micah writes about the judgment of the Lord and shows a combination of both reproach and the promises of hope. Micah is the sixth of the 12 minor prophets of Hebrew Scriptures.

This Sunday's message: Mi 5:1-4a. This section of Micah is most famous among Christian writings for its prophecy of Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah. This section of Micah was probably written during the time of Ahaz, who turned from God, worshiped idols and hired false prophets. This prophecy comes after an oracle about an impending invasion by Assyria (701 B.C.).