"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days."—Micah 5:2
The Old Testament book of Micah is perhaps best known for its prophecy of Christ’s birth, an important contribution to Messianic prophecy, but there’s a great deal more to learn from this minor prophet.
In his recently published commentary on Micah in Concordia Publishing House’s Concordia Commentary series, Concordia’s Dr. Jason Soenksen sets out to explain the unique and intended sense of Micah’s work, as well as to place the well-known proclamation in the wider context of the other prophets and of Scripture as a whole.
“Micah’s words should be read carefully in their own right, in their own context,” Soenksen proffers. “Though Micah shares themes and vocabulary with other passages in Scripture, he has a unique contribution that is far greater than the identification of, or attempted genealogy of, his dependence on others.”
Hear Soenksen talk about his latest published effort and explore his work by clicking on the links below.
Explore or purchase the Commentary
Concordia Publishing House interview
About the author
Rev. Dr. Jason Soenksen joined Concordia’s theology department in 2005 and serves as professor of theology. He received a B.A. from Concordia University Chicago, an M.A. in classics from Washington University in St. Louis, and his M.Div. from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. During his seminary education, he also spent a year studying at the Lutherische Theologische Hochshcule in Oberursel, Germany. He has an M.Phil. and Ph.D. from Hebrew Union College—Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC), Cincinnati, in the area of history of biblical interpretation. He participated in a joint program between HUC and the University of Cincinnati Classics Department, combining Bible, classics, and patristics.
At Concordia, Soenksen teaches courses in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and the Bible. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he serves as coordinator of the Great Texts Pathway at CUW, a group of professors who teach courses focused on intensive primary text readings and lively discussion.
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