AboutRev C.Brian Ross Expertise I am happy to offer answers to anyone with a question that refers to the Christian Faith in its widest possible sense. I believe that the Bible is the living Word of God, and seek to base all of my life on its teaching. I also have some knowledge of some of the cults, and of Islam and Judaism. Of course, my answers are just one man's thoughts, and I would always advise a questioner to check with others, and with the Word of God.
Experience Served as a full-time parish minister in Scotland for about six years, and then spent the last thirty as a teacher (now 'retired') of Religious Education in Secondary Comprehensive schools (ages 11-17) while continuing my own preaching and teaching ministry. I also believe that learning is a life-time process, and have recently completed a Master's degree in Divinity.
Organizations Former Presenter on Revival FM - a local Christian, community radio station, broadcasting in west central Scotland, and online at revival.fm Involved with a number of organisations that support Christians who are currently suffering persecution in some 70 countries around the world.
Publications Various articles in Christian magazines. I also have two blogsites - www.crazyrev.blogspot.com and (with audio messages) www.revcbross.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials Diploma of The Bible Training Institute, Glasgow;
Licentiate in Theology of the University of Glasgow;
Associateship of The Philosophical Society of England;
Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in History from The Open University;
Post-grad Certificate of Education - Religious Education and History;
Post-grad Cetificate in Learning and Teaching;
Post-grad Diploma in Management and Learning in Education;
Master of Science Degree from the University of Strathclyde;
Master of Divinity Degree (Hons) from Trinity College and Seminary (accredited by the University of Liverpool)
Question what does the verse Micah 1:4 really trying to say?
Answer Dear Ashley
Thank you for your question. It is surely no coincidence that I have just returned from Spring Harvest (an annual Christian event in the UK) where we were looking, a lot of the time, at the concepts of heaven and hell, and at the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus. That is also, by the way, the reason why I have taken a little longer than usual to respond to a question. Entirely my own fault – I forgot to advise AllExperts that I would be away for a full week!!
Anyway, this verse is in the context of the coming of YHWH (the LORD), in judgement, upon Samaria (the northern kingdom, following the division after the death of Solomon – see I Kings 12) and Judah (the southern kingdom). The terms used are apocalyptic – prophetic, judgemental, and figurative. Such language is seldom to be interpreted in literal terms. Thus, the melting of mountains, and them flowing like wax into the valleys, or like water down a hill, is a graphic portrayal of the might and power of this great God.
This was to be a judgement on the two nations, and was fulfilled when the Assyrians took the northern kingdom into captivity (II Kings 17) some 50 -70 years after Micah had prophesied; and the Babylonians (referred to as the Chaldeans in some English language translations) took the southern kingdom into captivity some 150 years after that (II Kings 25).
Of course, YHWH is also the God of mercy and love and so, in the closing section of the prophecy, there is a message of hope for the faithful remnant.
A similar kind of picture is painted in Rev.6:12ff but this, too, need not be taken in a literal sense.
I trust that I have been of some help but, if you wish to press me a little further, then please feel free to do so with a supplementary question.
Blessings,
C. Brian Ross (Rev)
