Book of Micah - Chapter 1 - Verse 1

The verse 'The word of the LORD that came to Micah the Morasthite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem' is a significant introduction to the prophetic message delivered by Micah. Micah was a prophet who lived during the reigns of these three kings of Judah and he was given a specific message from the Lord regarding the cities of Samaria and Jerusalem. This verse sets the stage for the prophecies that will follow, highlighting the importance of Micah's words during a tumultuous time in the history of Judah. By specifying the time period and the locations of the prophecy, the verse contextualizes Micah's message, emphasizing the relevance and urgency of his warnings and teachings for the people of Israel. As readers engage with Micah's prophecies, they are reminded of the divine inspiration behind his words and the timeless relevance of the messages he delivered.

The verse from Micah 1:1 provides the background of the prophet Micah, stating that he received the word of the LORD during the reigns of the kings of Judah - Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. This introduction gives us a historical context for the prophecies to follow. The use of the term "Morasthite" indicates that Micah was likely from Moresheth, a town located in the southern kingdom of Judah. The mention of Samaria and Jerusalem suggests that Micah's prophecies were directed towards both the northern kingdom of Israel, represented by Samaria, and the southern kingdom of Judah, represented by Jerusalem. This sets the stage for Micah's messages of warning, judgment, and hope for the people of both kingdoms. The inclusion of the specific reigns of the kings mentioned also serves to anchor Micah's prophecies in a specific time period, highlighting the relevance and importance of his words to the people of his day.