This course is an exegetical and expositional study of the book of Micah. The composition will be contextualized within the book of the twelve. The course will include a review of eighth century Israel as given in the biblical narrative within the context of ancient near eastern history. Literary analysis of Micah will include its composition history, form critical and structural analysis, exegesis and exposition. Attention will be given to themes of the prophecy and their theological import, with particular attention given to the concepts of justice and hope.
- History of the first temple period of Israel and Judah.
- Prophetic distinction of Micah in the book of the twelve.
- Message of Micah among the eighth century prophets.
- Importance of Micah to contemporary theologies of justice and hope in the church.
- Being aware of justice within society as a critical aspect of living a spiritual life.
- Learning how to represent God as his image in a violent world.
- Learning to live courageously in a world of conflict.
- Being sensitive to justice issues according to the priorities of Christian ethics.
- Living with hope especially when temporal situations create despair.
- Teach the message of Micah to those that take this book seriously as a prophetic word.
- Determine and address issues of justice within individual life circumstances.
- Find ways to address issues of injustice at various levels of society engagement.
- Inspire hope to those who feel that human life has become meaningless desperate.