The name Micah means “Who is like Yahweh?” — a question echoed in the book’s closing chapter (Micah 7:18). The book of Micah primarily addresses the coming judgment upon the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Its prophecies were delivered during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

Jotham was generally considered a righteous king; however, he failed to eliminate pagan worship practices, which allowed idolatry and corruption to persist among the people. Ahaz, in contrast, was notoriously wicked, engaging in idolatry and even sacrificing his sons to false gods. Hezekiah, who succeeded Ahaz, is remembered as a faithful reformer who sought to restore proper worship and obedience to Yahweh.

During Ahaz’s reign, Judah came under the influence of Assyrian domination, marked by harsh and oppressive policies. When Hezekiah ascended the throne, he resisted the Assyrian king Sennacherib, an act of faith and leadership that ultimately averted Assyrian conquest during his rule.