The book of Micah was written by Micah of Moresheth, a prophet from a rural town in Judah, who ministered during the reigns of kings Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, around 740–700 BC. Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah and Hosea.

Micah lived in troubled times. The Assyrian empire was expanding, threatening both Israel and Judah. In 722 BC the northern kingdom of Israel fell to Assyria, and Judah itself faced invasion. Yet Micah's concern was not Assyria. He saw that God's own people had become corrupt. The wealthy and powerful were exploiting the poor; rulers were abusing their authority; and religious observance had become separated from obedience to God. Micah therefore announces God's judgement on both Samaria and Jerusalem.

The principal human figures are Micah himself, the kings and rulers of Judah, the false prophets whom he condemns, and the ordinary people who suffer under injustice. Yet the central character is God himself. The book moves between judgement and hope. God will not ignore sin, but neither will he abandon his covenant people.

One of Micah's most famous passages comes in chapter 6: “What does the Lord require of you?” The answer is wonderfully simple: “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). God is not impressed by religious activity when it disguises an unchanged heart. True worship produces lives marked by justice, compassion and humble fellowship with God.

Yet Micah's message is not ultimately one of condemnation. God promises restoration and a faithful remnant.