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Micah (prophet)

Micah was an 8th-century BCE prophet in the Kingdom of Judah and one of the Twelve Minor Prophets of the Hebrew Bible.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Micah was an 8th-century BCE prophet in the Kingdom of Judah and one of the Twelve Minor Prophets of the Hebrew Bible. He is traditionally associated with the village of Moresheth-Gath and is known for warning about judgment on Jerusalem and Samaria while also speaking of restoration and hope.

Historical setting

Micah is placed in the late 8th century BCE in the southern Kingdom of Judah. Sources associate him with the political and military upheavals surrounding Assyrian expansion and the fall of the northern Kingdom of Israel.

Prophetic message

The Book of Micah presents him as condemning dishonesty, idolatry, corruption, and injustice, especially among leaders. It also includes oracles of judgment against Samaria and Jerusalem and themes of restoration.

Book of Micah

Micah is traditionally identified as the author of the biblical Book of Micah, a short prophetic book of seven chapters. The book is part of both the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament.

Later interpretation

Jewish and Christian traditions have long read Micah as an important prophetic voice, especially because of his combination of judgment and hope. His prophecies are often discussed alongside those of Isaiah and Hosea.

Key facts

  • Micah is counted among the Twelve Minor Prophets in the Hebrew Bible.
  • He is traditionally placed in the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah.
  • His prophecies addressed both Jerusalem and Samaria.
  • His messages combined warnings of judgment with promises of future restoration.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Micah in the Bible?
Micah was an 8th-century BCE prophet in Judah and one of the Twelve Minor Prophets. He is traditionally linked to Moresheth-Gath and to the Book of Micah.
What is Micah known for?
He is known for condemning injustice, corruption, and idolatry, and for warning that Jerusalem and Samaria would face destruction. He also spoke of restoration and hope.
When did Micah prophesy?
He is traditionally dated to the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah, roughly in the late 8th century BCE.
Where was Micah from?
He is described as coming from Moresheth-Gath, a town in southwest Judah.
Did Micah write a biblical book?
Yes. He is traditionally identified as the author of the Book of Micah, one of the Twelve Minor Prophets.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micah_(prophet)
    Supports: Basic identification of Micah as an 8th-century BCE prophet from Moresheth-Gath, active in Judah under Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.
  2. BibleGateway / Encyclopedia of the Bible — https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Micah-Prophet
    Supports: Meaning of the name Micah, traditional authorship of the Book of Micah, and place among the minor prophets.
  3. My Jewish Learning — https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/micah/
    Supports: Historical dating to the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah and general overview of Micah's prophetic activity.
  4. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/philosophy-and-religion/biblical-proper-names-biographies/micha
    Supports: Identification of Micah as a Hebrew prophet from the eighth century BCE whose prophecy is recorded in the Book of Micah.