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The heading for the book of Habakkuk reads: “The oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw.” The heading is distinct but not without parallels elsewhere. Other prophetic books are labeled as oracles (Nahum and Malachi) or lack any mention of date (for example Obadiah, Joel, and Jonah). The jarringly distinctive feature of Habakkuk is that it … Continue reading “Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 Commentary by Richard W. Nysse”

The heading for the book of Habakkuk reads: “The oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw.” The heading is distinct but not without parallels elsewhere. Other prophetic books are labeled as oracles (Nahum and Malachi) or lack any mention of date (for example Obadiah, Joel, and Jonah). The jarringly distinctive feature of Habakkuk is that it … Continue reading “Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 Commentary by Richard W. Nysse”

Micah prophesies during the second half of the 8th century BCE in Judah. The Back Story (or Historical Context) He speaks in a context with no shortage of religious people. In fact, Micah describes widespread religiosity where people, especially religious leaders, are making a public show of how religious they are with loud lip service … Continue reading “Micah 6:1-8 Commentary by Amy Oden”

The historical situation of this text is not entirely clear. A setting during the reign of King Hezekiah in the late eighth century is likely. At the same time, hints of exilic and postexilic periods (e.g., rebuilding city walls; restoring national boundaries, 7:11) may reflect expansions of the text over the years in view of … Continue reading “Micah 6:1-8 Commentary by Terence E. Fretheim”

On this last Sunday of Advent, we come to another familiar prophetic passage, familiar at least in part because it plays a prominent role in Matthew’s story of the birth of Jesus. When the magi from the East come to Jerusalem expecting to find the king of the Jews, King Herod’s scribes quote this passage … Continue reading “Micah 5:2-5a Commentary by Kathryn M. Schifferdecker”

In order to understand the benevolent image in today’s reading of the coming ruler who “shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord…” (5:4), it is necessary to fill in the landscape in which this savior will bestow nourishment and salvation. At the outset, it is also important to suspend the … Continue reading “Micah 5:2-5a Commentary by Melinda Quivik”

The prophet Micah was active during a tumultuous period in Israel’s history. According to the book, Micah prophesied during the reigns of the kings Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, who reigned during the late eighth and early seventh centuries (759-687 BCE). At this time, Israel and Judah experienced great turmoil as the Assyrians invaded the region. … Continue reading “Micah 5:2-5a Commentary by Anne Stewart”

For additional lectionary resources on the assigned texts for All Saints, please see the Craft of Preaching articles. What would our lives be like without the prophetic word? A life without vision: no joyful discernment of God’s purposes for ourselves, no gradually unfolding perception of the Holy Spirit at work for justice in our communities. … Continue reading “Micah 3:5-12 Commentary by Carolyn J. Sharp”

This year, at least for many, Pentecost 20 is also Reformation Sunday, but we really need not change or manipulate the texts chosen for the former in order to observe the latter. A primary goal of the Reformation was and is sola scriptura, so preaching any text — actually paying attention to a particular text … Continue reading “Micah 3:5-12 Commentary by Fred Gaiser”

It was Archbishop Desmond Tutu who said, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor … … If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.”1 Indeed, many might side … Continue reading “Micah 3:5-12 Commentary by Eric Mathis”