Justice and Loyalty: A Commentary on the Book of Micah (International Theological Commentary | ITC)

by Juan I. Alfaro

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 1989

Overview

As the most forceful biblical proponent of the ideals of justice, loyalty, and kindness, Micah holds special appeal for those who are concerned about the powerlessness of the poor and humble.

In this commentary Juan Alfaro examines the prophecies of Micah as they address both the internal and the external crises that faced Judah in the eighth century B.C. Throughout his exposition Alfaro stresses that Micah does not belong to a dead past; rather, Micah’s challenging message of judgment and hope calls for change and conversion in our world today.

Contents

Top Highlights

“That was the intended goal of the prophecy, salvation and conversion, rather than a simple prediction of destruction. The fact that the temple was later destroyed added a new dimension to the meaning of the prediction. Every time a prophetic text moves a reader to conversion, it acquires a new meaning and the prophecy is fulfilled again. Prophecies are not dead literary or historical ‘events,’ but living and timeless ‘challenges’ to conversion for peoples of all times.” (Page 2)

“In Mic. 6:8 the prophet has presented a perfect summary of the biblical religion found frequently in the Prophets. True religion must be a means for an encounter with God and with others, and must not become an end in itself and for itself. Love in its fullness is the only valid foundation for all human and divine relationships.” (Page 69)

“The mysterious power of the dew comes from God, while the lion trusts in its own strength” (Page 59)

“Power without love is demonic; power with love is divine, and God ultimately has all power in heaven and on earth” (Page 24)

“The people must listen to the heart of God and his desire for mercy and compassion for those in need. God does not want the people simply to come to him but actually to walk with him, seeing things through his own eyes and behaving towards the poor in the same saving manner as he had done in their history. Humility is a virtue required in walking with God, in being faithful and attentive servants of the Lord (cf. Ps. 123:2).” (Page 69)

Product Details

• Title: Justice and Loyalty: A Commentary on the Book of Micah
• Author: Juan I. Alfaro
• Series: International Theological Commentary
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Print Publication Date: 1989
• Logos Release Date: 2006
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. O.T. Micah › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9780802804310, 0802804314
• Resource ID: LLS:ITC25MIC
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-08-30T23:31:51Z

About Juan I. Alfaro

Juan I. Alfaro is Director of the Pastoral Institute of the Mexican American Cultural Center in San Antonio, Texas. He also teaches at Incarnate Word College Pastoral Institute and at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio.