Mica
Mica (or Micah), a Levite, lived in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (1Ch.9.15; Neh.11.17).
Biography
Mica, also known as Micah, was a Levite who resided in Jerusalem following the return from Babylonian exile. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:15 and Nehemiah 11:17 as part of the Levitical community that resettled the holy city to maintain temple worship. Mica was the son of Zichri, a descendant of Asaph, the renowned musician whom David had appointed to lead worship before the ark of the covenant. This lineage placed Mica within the guild of temple musicians and singers responsible for the liturgical life of the restored community. His presence in Jerusalem was part of the deliberate effort to ensure that all necessary worship personnel were in place for the rebuilt temple, as many returnees preferred to settle in more comfortable locations outside the capital.
Significance
Mica's role in the postexilic community highlights the importance of worship continuity in God's redemptive plan. As a descendant of Asaph, he carried forward a musical and liturgical tradition that stretched back to David's time, bridging the devastating gap of exile. The restoration of Levitical worship families in Jerusalem was essential for reestablishing the temple as the center of Israel's spiritual life. Mica's willingness to settle in Jerusalem, when the city was underpopulated and vulnerable, reflects sacrificial devotion to God's house. His story illustrates that the preservation of true worship across generations requires individuals willing to prioritize service to God over personal comfort and security.
Verse Appearances (1)
Nehemiah
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]
