SUMMARY
Micah makes the startling prediction that Jerusalem, the holyHoly is a term that originally meant set apart for the worship or service of God. While the term may refer to people, objects, time, or places, holiness in Judaism and Christianity primarily denotes the realm of the divine More city where the Davidic king resides, and the TempleThe Jerusalem temple, unlike the tabernacle, was a permanent structure, although (like the tabernacle) it was a place of worship and religious activity. On one occasion Jesus felt such activity was unacceptable and, as reported in all four Gospels, drove from the temple those engaged... More, where God has promised to be present, will be wiped off the face of the earth.
ANALYSIS
In 2 Samuel 7, the prophet NathanThe prophet who condemned David for adultery and promised that God would establish a Davidic dynasty. More discourages DavidSecond king of Israel, David united the northern and southern kingdoms. More from building a temple for the Lord, but God promises that David’s son will build a temple. Further, David’s dynasty and kingdom will be established forever (2 SamuelThe judge who anointed the first two kings of Israel. More 7:16). The people of JudahJudah was the name of Jacob's fourth son and one of the 12 tribes. More held on to that promise through many tumultuous times, including the breaking off of the Northern KingdomThe Northern Kingdom consisted of ten of the twelve tribes of Israel and lasted for 200 years until it was destroyed by Assyria in 721 B.C.E. In the northern kingdom the kings were evil. Prophets like Elijah and Amos railed against them and their evildoing. More of Israel after the death of SolomonThird king of Israel who was known for wisdom and building the first Temple. More. By the time of Micah, Nathan’s promise had held true for about three centuries. It was an anchor for the people. Despite threats from smaller nations and mighty empires like Assyria, the people remained secure in their trust that God would keep this promise. For Micah to declare that even Jerusalem would be destroyed was almost like a word of heresyHeresy is a belief or set of beliefs and actions contrary to those accepted by the Christian church. Gnostic thought is one example of an heretical belief. More, a refutation of God’s promises, and a denial of the people’s most tangible hope against all enemies. Micah’s prophecyProphecy is the gift, inspired by God, of speaking and interpreting the divine will. Prophets such as Amos, Isaiah, and Ezekiel spoke words of judgment and comfort to the people of Israel on behalf of God. More was not fulfilled in Micah’s day but did have its effect in a later time.
More than one hundred years after Micah, the prophet JeremiahProphet who condemned Judah's infidelity to God, warned of Babylonian conquest, and promised a new covenant. More also predicted the destruction of the Temple and the city (Jeremiah 26:6). This so disturbed the priests and prophets that they wanted to put Jeremiah to death. Cooler heads prevailed, however. This verse from Micah was quoted, and the point was made that the king at that time, HezekiahJudean king noted for his reforms in time of Isaiah. More, did not put Micah to death. Rather, Hezekiah took it as a warning and fervently turned toward the Lord. Then the Lord changed his mind and did not carry out Micah’s prophecy (Jeremiah 26:16-19). Perhaps Jeremiah’s words should be regarded in a similar way, some said.
Later, when Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE, the people were forced to face this question first raised by Micah. How do we continue to believe in a God who protects and keeps promises when God’s special people are treated this way?
These passages in Micah and Jeremiah raise some interesting questions about fulfillment of prophecies. One of the criteria for distinguishing a true prophet from a false one is whether or not the prophecy comes true. Micah’s prophecy did not happen in his day. It was partially fulfilled in Jeremiah’s day, though the total destruction poetically envisioned by Micah only fully occurred with the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 CE. A great fire swept the city and destroyed every building and all walls except the western wall of the city, so that “there was left nothing to make those that came thither believe it [Jerusalem] had ever been inhabited.” (Josephus Jewish Wars 7.1.1.). Limestone buildings were burnt into lime, and the destruction was almost complete. Trees did begin to grow, turning Jerusalem into “a wooded height” before the Romans rebuilt the city almost six decades later as Aelia Capitolina.
The Jeremiah passage says that, although Micah’s prophecy may have been true, Jerusalem was spared because the king turned to God and “God changed his mind.” The Book of JonahJonah son of Amittai was a rebellious prophet who fled from the Lord's command, only to be delivered by a big and fish and bring about the repentance of Nineveh. More is another example of a prophecy of doom (against Nineveh) that is nullified because the people repentRepentance is a central biblical teaching. All people are sinful and God desires that all people repent of their sins. The Hebrew word for repent means to "turn away" from sin. The Greek word for repentance means to "change on'e mind," more specifically, it means... More and God holds back the punishment.
