Micah

by Stephen G. Dempster

Overview

A distinctively theological take on the book of Micah

Readers of the book of Micah learn a great deal about God: he is a mighty God who controls the nations, yet he is also concerned with everyday matters like equity, poverty, and care for widows and orphans. In presenting this transcendent-yet-immanent God, Micah's message revolves around themes of justice, judgment, and salvation that continue to carry great significance today.

In this theological commentary on the book of Micah, Stephen Dempster places the text in conversation with the larger story of Scripture. After discussing questions of structure and authorship in his introduction, Dempster systematically works through the text, drawing links to the broader biblical story throughout. In the second part of his commentary Dempster offers theological discussion that further explicates the most significant themes in Micah and their applicability to today's Christians.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802865137
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	08/29/2017
Series:	The Two Horizons Old Testament Commentary (THOTC)
Pages:	292
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Stephen G. Dempster is professor of religious studies at Crandall University, Moncton, New Brunswick.

Table of Contents

Preface vii

Introduction to the Book of Micah 1

The Prophet and His Times 1

The Oracles and Their Structure 15

Authorship, Date, and History of Interpretation 26

Structure 33

Composition 35

Theological Interpretation 36

Poetic Structure 39

Discourse 46

Text 49

Micah's Place in the Minor Prophets (The Twelve) 51

Commentary 57

Prophetic Superscription (1:1) 57

Judgment and Salvation I (1:2-2:13) 64

Topography of Terror: Impending Doom of Samaria and Jerusalem (1:2-16) 64

Dead Men Walking: Cause of Judgment and Exile (2:1-11) 80

Breakthrough: A New Theophany (2:12-13) 99

Judgment and Salvation II (3:1-5:15) 107

Judgment on the Present Jerusalem (3:1-12) 108

Future Glory of Jerusalem and Temple (4:1-5) 122

Pathway to Glory (4:6-5:15) 132

Judgment and Salvation III (6:1-7:20) 153

True Worship: Justice, Mercy, and Walking with God (6:1-8) 154

Judgment on Injustice (6:9-16) 167

Total Corruption of the Nation (7:1-7) 173

Israel's Hope in Yahweh's Grace (7:8-20) 180

Theological Themes of Micah 194

Micah's Vision of God 194

Divine Name and Israelite Credo 199

God and the Nations 204

Justice 207

Land 212

Temple 216

Messiah 220

Worship 226

True and False Prophecy 230

Remnant 235

Micah's Contribution to Biblical Theology 238

Micah's Relevance to Present-Day Theological Issues 241

Doctrine of God 241

Modern Ministry and the Role of a Spiritual Leader 244

Cheap Grace 248

Justice 251

Idolatry, Covetousness, and Injustice 253

Peace 259

Bibliography 263

Index of Modern Authors 265

Index of Subjects 270

Index of Scripture and and Ancient Sources 275

Editorial Reviews

Daniel Block
— Wheaton College
“This volume on Micah by Stephen Dempster represents biblical-commentary writing at its best. With brilliant insights, an engaging literary style, an impassioned tone, and a whole-Bible theological acumen, Dempster invites us into the world and message of this eighth-century prophet. But he does not leave us there. He challenges us to let its life-giving message transform our thinking about pressing social and ethical issues in our time.”

Mark J. Boda
— McMaster Divinity College
“Founded in deep exegetical reflections and broad canonical connections, Dempster’s commentary draws out theological implications that will challenge contemporary audiences to embrace the message of Micah for faith and life.”

J. Andrew Dearman
— Fuller Seminary Texas
“Dempster capably and insightfully interprets Micah as a book in its ancient setting, giving attention to historical, literary, and theological matters, while also placing its contents in a larger, biblical-theological context and showing its instructive power for contemporary reflection.”

Craig A. Carter
— Tyndale University College, Toronto
“Up to now, the theological interpretation of Scripture movement has clearly pointed out the failures of historical-critical commentaries but has struggled to provide a viable alternative. Here we see a truly theological commentary that uses a wide range of scholarship to engage the book of Micah as the Word of God. This is an outstanding example of what the commentary genre can and should be.

From the Publisher