Micah & Obadiah
by Peter Lau
Micah’s voice cuts through a society rotting from within.
He prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah—kings of the southern kingdom of Judah, around 735–700 BC (Micah 1:1). This was a time of stark contrasts: material wealth flourished alongside deep social inequality, political corruption, and spiritual decay. During Micah’s ministry, the northern kingdom of Israel fell in 722 BC, while the southern kingdom of Judah was on the brink of moral collapse.
The book of Micah is a rollercoaster of judgment and hope. The prophet warns of God’s impending judgment—against political leaders who exploit the powerless, religious leaders who turn worship into a transaction, and prophets who prophesy for personal gain. Yet, woven through these warnings is a promise of restoration: the glory of Mt Zion (4:1–5), the rise of a future Messianic ruler (5:2), and hope for all nations rooted in God’s mercy and steadfast love (7:18, 20).
Even Micah’s name is a theological statement: “Who is like the Lord?” It confronts every form of idolatry and reminds us of God’s supreme and incomparable nature (7:18).
Obadiah may be the shortest book in the Old Testament, but it packs a mighty punch!
Obadiah prophesied during a time of conflict between Edom and Judah, likely soon after Babylon’s destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The Edomites (descendants of Esau) had a long history of hostility toward the Israelites (descendants of Jacob), and even sided with the Babylonians in Jerusalem’s downfall.
In the ancient Near East, family ties were of great importance. The Edomites’ betrayal of Judah was therefore a grave violation of kinship, making their judgment even more deserved.
As one of the minor prophetic books in the Old Testament, Obadiah aligns with the broader themes of Scripture: God’s sovereignty, His judgment of the nations, and the restoration of His people. The book underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, highlighting His protection and vindication of those He has chosen.
The Structure of Micah
Micah’s prophecy unfolds in three cycles of judgment and hope, each introduced by the word “hear”:
Hope for the remnant’s restoration (2:12–13)
Hope through a Messianic kingdom (4:1–5:15)
Hope in God’s forgiveness (7:8–20)
Key Verse
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. —Micah 6:8
The Structure of Obadiah
In contrast to Micah’s cyclical structure, Obadiah’s prophecy is more linear, and can be divided into two main sections:
Key Verse
The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head. —Obadiah 15
