Micah 2–3: Literary Artistry,Ethical Message,and Some Considerations about the Image of Yahweh and Micah ∗

Abstract

Current Micah studies focus on the questions of the book's coherence and its ethical message. But little attention has been given to the book's literary aspects that impact on its ethical message. This article focuses on Micah 2–3, and looks at how the literary character Micah uses various literary forms and techniques not only to evoke a response from both intended and unintended readers but also to provoke their moral conscience. Consideration is given to how the text portrays Yahweh and the related questions and that arise from such a characterization. The article suggests that an interplay exists between literary form, technique, and the ethical message of Micah 2–3.