REL 113: Old Testament Faith and History. Sample “Outline-Summary.” RJDKnauth
Outline-Summary for Micah
From Hill and Walton, A Survey of the Old Testament, chapter 33.
Micah (minor prophet, from the “Book of the Twelve”)
I. Historical Background
A.
8th Century contemporary of Isaiah, during reigns of Jotham,
Ahaz and Hezekiah.
B.
From small town in Judean hills (i.e. not from Jerusalem priesthood).
C.
In Assyrian Crisis: witnessed destruction/exile of North and 701 invasion
of Judah.
D.
A time of “political upheaval and social unrest.”
E.
Confronts economic injustices of new, rich “merchant class.”
F.
Confronts problems of corrupt priesthood and false religiosity.
II. Literary Structure – in 3 Divisions
A.
Outline: Prologue. 1. People; 2. Leaders; 3. Nation.
B.
Divisions marked by call to “listen.”
C.
1st & 3rd Divisions in Legal Format; 2nd
Division adds sections on current crisis (“Now”).
D.
5 Judgment Oracles leading to destruction and exile, messages of hope
interspersed.
E.
Repeated pattern: Indictment
for Sin -> Judgment/Consequences -> Hope.
F.
No reason to believe that messages of hope are later additions, as some
assert.
III. Purpose/Message and Major Themes
A.
Rebukes upper class for economic injustices, sin.
B.
Predicts destruction and exile (quoted in Jeremiah).
C.
Theme of Messianic Deliverer, ideal Davidic king (later applied to
Jesus).
D.
Need for obedience rather than sacrifice – no false religiosity.
Micah’s Call: “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.”
Most Famous Quote:
“What does the LORD require of you? To act justly, love mercy, walk humbly
with your God.”
NB: This is a relatively short outline for a short
book. Normally I would expect a
full 1-2 pages.
You will find other considerations in the hand-out notes.
There is no substitute for reading the actual biblical text itself.