Why will Jerusalem be Destroyed? (Micah 3:9-12)

Various verses in the Book of Micah use the term `Zion` as a synonym for Jerusalem. This lecture will address one such unit, which parallels the term Zion with Jerusalem, and enables a glance at fundamental perceptions expressed elsewhere in the Book of Micah.

In Mic. 3:9-12, the prophet presents a web of accusations against the leadership of the Kingdom of Judah. Based on these accusations, as stated in this unit, Jerusalem faces destruction. The prophecy of destruction undermines the foundation of the existence and nature of the kingdom; the option of destruction is copiously absent from other prophecies attributed to the eighth century BC.

This lecture will examine the causes, which, according to the book of Micah, lead to the destruction of Jerusalem. Based on the analysis of these causes I will define Micah`s positions regarding social justice on the one hand, and Jerusalem on the other, in contrast with other Minor Prophets, such as Amos and Habakkuk, and Major Prophets, such as Jeremiah and Isaiah. Investigating the relationship between the positions of various prophets demonstrates Micah`s unique worldview, the foundation of the prophecy of destruction in this unit.