Michah the Morashtite: Prophet of Justice, Peace, and Redemption

A Prophet from the Kingdom of Judah

Michah the Morashtite was one of the twelve minor prophets, and his book, just seven chapters long, is the sixth in Trei Asar (The Twelve Minor Prophets). He lived and prophesied in both the Kingdom of Judah and the Kingdom of Israel during the First Temple period.

Michah was a member of the Tribe of Judah and lived in the city of Moreshet in Judah’s territory. According to tradition, he studied under the prophet Yeshayahu. He delivered his prophecies during the reigns of Uzziah (after his leprosy), Yotam, Achaz, and Chizkiyahu, alongside other prophets like Hoshea, Yeshayahu, and Amos. The Talmud (Pesachim 87a) identifies Michah as the youngest among them.

Prophecies of Rebuke and Redemption

Michah’s messages included harsh rebukes for the moral failures of Jerusalem and Samaria, particularly interpersonal corruption and the lies of false prophets. But his words also offered powerful visions of hope: the eventual peace in Jerusalem, the coming of the Messiah, and the redemption of the people. In one prayer, he invoked the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, pleading for Hashem’s forgiveness on behalf of Israel.

Among his most famous and lasting teachings:

• “He has told you, man, what is good, and what Hashem requires of you: only to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God” (Michah 6:8). The Talmud (Makkot 24a) cites this verse as Michah’s summation of all mitzvot (Divine commandments) into three core values: justice (law), loving-kindness (acts of compassion), and humility (modesty in public life, including escorting the dead and marrying off brides).

• “In the end of days, the mountain of the house of Hashem will be established at the top of the mountains… and many nations will say: ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of Hashem… for Torah will go out from Zion and the word of Hashem from Jerusalem’” (Micah 4:1–3). This vision of a peaceful, united world stands as one of the most hopeful Messianic prophecies in Tanach.

• “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, nor shall they learn war anymore. But every man shall sit under his vine and fig tree, and none shall make them afraid” (Micah 4:3–4).

• “My people, what have I done to you? How have I wearied you? Testify against Me!... I brought you out of Egypt, redeemed you from slavery, and sent before you Moshe, Aharon, and Miriam” (Micah 6:3–4). 

• “Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and overlooks transgression for the remnant of His heritage?... You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:18–19). These verses, filled with compassion and forgiveness, are still recited in Jewish liturgy today.