The Morning Psalm
Old Testament

The Book of Micah

Do justly, love mercy — God's simple, searching call to the life he desires.

Overview

Micah confronts injustice and false religion, but distils God's desire into one unforgettable line: to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. It cuts through complexity to the heart of a faithful life.

Micah also foretells, centuries in advance, that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem — a promise fulfilled in Jesus.

Key themes

What God requires

Justice, mercy, and humble walking with God sum up the faithful life.

Justice and mercy

God confronts those who exploit others and calls for compassion.

The coming Messiah

Micah names Bethlehem as the birthplace of the ruler to come.

Key verses from Micah

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Micah 6:8, KJV

The heart of the faithful life in one verse.

But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel
Micah 5:2, KJV
Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.
Micah 7:7, KJV

How to read Micah

  • Let 6:8 distil faith to its essentials.

  • Notice the Bethlehem prophecy fulfilled in Jesus.

  • Read it as a call to justice, mercy, and humility.