Saul Weinreb - Let the Prophets Speak

Micah 7a - The Lonely Harvester

The prophet laments the lack of honesty and integrity in his generation. Like a harvester of figs that can find no ripe fruit to pick, there are no honest and trustworthy people anymore. All levels of leaderrship are corrupt, and people can't even trust their closet friends and family. But I the prophet will trust in God. He will bring be out of the darkness. So to the people of Israel, though they may go through dark times, God will bring them to light as well.

Micah 6 - Walk Humbly Before God

God calls Israel to court, "What wrong have I done?" "I took you out of Egypt, I saved you from Balak,"  shouldn't the people have some gratitude?  It is not gifts of sacrifices though that i want from you, but justice, kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.  

Micah 5 - Like Dew Upon the Nations

Micah describes the humility of the original King David and his origins. This is why I chose them to be the leaders in the days of the Messiah.  The Jewish people scattered among the nations will be as dew and rain that brings the message of God to all the nations. Those that try to resist and refuse to humble themselves before God will be destroyed, while those that learn of God will be redeemed.

Micah 4 - God Brings Peace to All

In a prophecy very reminiscent of his contemporary prophet Isaiah, Micah tells us of the day in the future that God will once again reign supreme. The nations of the world will come to Zion to learn His ways, and world peace will be established. We will beat our swords into plowshares, and justice will be the rule of the land. The nations that gloat now over Israel;s destruction don't understand God's ways, but one day they will come to know God. The knigdom of David will be reestablished in Zion.

Micah 3 - The Leadership is Responsible

Micah turns his attention to the corrupt leadership. It is your responsibility to know true justice, he tells them. Instead of justice, you are full of bribery and deceit, and you take advantage of those who need justice the most.  The corruption includes all levels of leadership, the false prophets who promise good fortunes in return for donations, and the priests who teach "Torah" for a fee. It is because of this corrupt leadership that Jerusalem will fall.

Micah 2 - No Patience for Arrogance

Premeditated and planned oppression of others is the worst form of sin. God has no patience for this. You won;t listen to my true prophets, and you mock them, but liars and arrogant people you listen to. 

Micah 1 - God Descends Upon the Earth

Micah, the prophet from Maresha echoes the prophecies of his contemporaries Hosea and Isaiah as he predicts the destruction of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. The children of Jacob have sinned, and God's wrath will descend upon them.

Obadiah - The Fall of Edom

Obadiah tells of the arrogance of Edom, their pride and refusal to recognize God. He tells of their refusal to help their brother Israel, and much worse, how they collaborated with Israel's enemies and celebrated the suffering of their brothers.  For this reason Edom will be destroyed, their pride will be struck down.  One day, the Jewish people will return to Zion, and Edom and all the other nations who refuse to humble themselves before God will be destroyed. 

Obadiah Introduction - What's the Deal With Edom?

Some traditions regarding who the prophet Obadiah was, and why he focused his prophecy against the nation of Edom.  Why Edom? So many prophets singled out the treachery and evil of the people of Edom. In this introduction we trace the history of Esau's descendents and their enmity with the people of Israel.  Their philosophical differences, their jealousy, and their constant fighting despite being the people closest to Israel ethnically and culturally.

Amos 9 -You Can Hide, but You Will be Found

The chapter starts with the frightening and total destruction coming to the people. No matter where you run, God will find you.  But the punishment will never be total, God promises. The people will survive, and the righteous will return one day to rebuild the land.