Introduction

In contrast to the ministry of Hosea and Amos in Israel, Micah and Isaiah delivered their messages to the people of Judah. In three cycles of speeches, Micah warns Judah of God's judgment for their rampant injustice, but he also foretells God's restoration, re-gathering the exiles, reestablishing Davidic rule, and reviving His blessings. Isaiah, with a scathing rebuke for Judah's covenant violations, also warns of coming judgment and the sure defeat of God's enemies, both worldly and otherworldly. In the face of pressure, God's people are urged to put their trust in Him, not in foreign powers. Isaiah also offers hope of future restoration, with an ideal David ruling in justice and righteousness.

Readings

The Bible: Micah, Isaiah 1-39 (skim 13-35), 2 Kings 16-17, 2 Chronicles 28, Deuteronomy 5:6-21 and 10:12-22, and James 2:14-26.

Hays, The Message of the Prophets, pp. 96-117.

Fuhr and Yates, The Message of the Twelve, pp. 183-204.

Course Notes, pp. 4-6.

Optional Readings

Wegner, Paul D. "How Many Virgin Births are in the Bible? (Isaiah 7:14): A Prophetic Pattern Approach." Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 54 (2011): 467-484.

Johnston, Gordon. 'Messianic Trajectories in Isaiah' in Jesus the Messiah: Tracing the Promises, Expectations, and Coming of Israel's King , 143-170. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2012.

Guiding Questions

As you read, consider the following questions:

How does the sin addressed by Micah, both vertical and horizontal, evidence the state of Judah's relationship with God?
What is the main issue in the Syro-Ephraimite war and how does this event illustrate the theme of Isaiah's rebuke (1-12)?
What is the relevance of Isaiah's oracles against worldly and otherworldly powers (13-35) for his audience in Judah?
How does Hezekiah offer a portrait both of failure and faith?

Lectures

Micah:

The Micah lecture/PPT won't be available until the due date passes for Assignment 2b: Social Justice in Micah Paper.

Isaiah:

Lecture 9 | PPT 9 | Audio 9
Lecture 10 | PPT 10 | Audio 10

Suggested Work Sequence

Below is a step-by-step guide for what to do when during this unit. Note that while the lectures and readings are described in detail above, assignments have their own pages.

#	Task	Due Date
1.	Read Micah & Course Notes p. 4.	Wednesday
2.	Read MT pp. 183-204 (Ch. 10).	Wednesday
3.	Read Isaiah 1-39 (skim 13-35) & Course Notes pp. 5-6.	Wednesday
4.	Read MP pp. 96-117 (Ch. 6-7).	Wednesday
5.	View Lectures 9-10: Isaiah 1-39.	Wednesday
6.	Complete Assignment 2a: Trust in God Discussion.	Thursday/ Saturday
7.	Complete Assignment 2b: Social Justice in Micah Paper.	Friday
8.	Complete Assignment 2c: Reading Quiz.	Saturday
9.	View Lecture 8: Micah (once your faculty member makes it available).	Saturday

Key:

MP = Message of the Prophets (Hays)
MT = Message of the Twelve (Fuhr and Yates)