@article{ART003189139},
author={Joon-Hyuk Lee},
title={The Literary Unity of Micah: The Dual Messages of Judgment and Hope for Zion},
journal={Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies},
issn={1229-0521},
year={2025},
volume={31},
number={1},
pages={167-201},
doi={10.24333/jkots.2025.31.1.167}
TY - JOUR
AU - Joon-Hyuk Lee
TI - The Literary Unity of Micah: The Dual Messages of Judgment and Hope for Zion
JO - Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies
PY - 2025
VL - 31
IS - 1
PB - Korean Society of Old Testament Studies
SP - 167
EP - 201
SN - 1229-0521
AB - This study argues that the contrasting messages of judgment and hope directed toward Zion in the Book of Micah are not merely opposing or fragmented ideas but instead form a literary unity that reveals God’s justice and mercy within an integrated theological narrative. From the perspective of Sinai covenant theology, Micah denounces the corruption and social injustice of the Jerusalem leadership, delivering a stern message of judgment(Mic 2:1–11). Jerusalem is described as a "city built with blood and wickedness," where the greed of its leaders and their oppression of the vulnerable provoke God’s righteous judgment(Mic 3:9–12). However, Micah does not stop with a message of judgment. He also presents a vision of hope, promising God's salvation through the restoration of Zion and the emergence of an ideal ruler(Mic 4:1–5, 6–8; 5:1–4). Restored Zion is depicted as the center of the nations, and an ideal ruler from the Davidic line is prophesied to establish God’s perfect reign. In particular, Micah 5 foretells a ruler to emerge from Bethlehem, offering a vision of leadership rooted not in corruption but in humility and pastoral care.
KW - Micah;Literary Unity of the Book of Micah;Literary Structure of the Book of Micah;Judgment and Hope for Zion;Sinai Covenant Theology
DO - 10.24333/jkots.2025.31.1.167
ER -
Joon-Hyuk Lee. (2025). The Literary Unity of Micah: The Dual Messages of Judgment and Hope for Zion. Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies, 31(1), 167-201.
Joon-Hyuk Lee. 2025, "The Literary Unity of Micah: The Dual Messages of Judgment and Hope for Zion", Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies, vol.31, no.1 pp.167-201. Available from: doi:10.24333/jkots.2025.31.1.167
Joon-Hyuk Lee "The Literary Unity of Micah: The Dual Messages of Judgment and Hope for Zion" Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies 31.1 pp.167-201 (2025) : 167.
Joon-Hyuk Lee. The Literary Unity of Micah: The Dual Messages of Judgment and Hope for Zion. 2025; 31(1), 167-201. Available from: doi:10.24333/jkots.2025.31.1.167
Joon-Hyuk Lee. "The Literary Unity of Micah: The Dual Messages of Judgment and Hope for Zion" Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies 31, no.1 (2025) : 167-201.doi: 10.24333/jkots.2025.31.1.167
Joon-Hyuk Lee. The Literary Unity of Micah: The Dual Messages of Judgment and Hope for Zion. Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies, 31(1), 167-201. doi: 10.24333/jkots.2025.31.1.167
Joon-Hyuk Lee. The Literary Unity of Micah: The Dual Messages of Judgment and Hope for Zion. Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies. 2025; 31(1) 167-201. doi: 10.24333/jkots.2025.31.1.167
Joon-Hyuk Lee. The Literary Unity of Micah: The Dual Messages of Judgment and Hope for Zion. 2025; 31(1), 167-201. Available from: doi:10.24333/jkots.2025.31.1.167
Joon-Hyuk Lee. "The Literary Unity of Micah: The Dual Messages of Judgment and Hope for Zion" Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies 31, no.1 (2025) : 167-201.doi: 10.24333/jkots.2025.31.1.167
