Hear ye now what the Lord saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice.
Hear ye, O mountains, the Lord’s controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the Lord hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.
O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.
For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.
O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the Lord.
Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
The Lord’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.
Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable?
Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights?
For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.
Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins.
Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied; and thy casting down shall be in the midst of thee; and thou shalt take hold, but shalt not deliver; and that which thou deliverest will I give up to the sword.
Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil; and sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine.
For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people.
Micah 6 marks a pivotal point in the book, shifting from prophecies of future hope back to the pressing issue of Israel’s spiritual and moral decay. The Lord initiates a lawsuit against His people, laying bare their unfaithfulness in stark contrast to His unwavering love and provision. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of genuine obedience over mere ritual, and the consequences of turning away from God's righteous path.
The Lord's Lawsuit (Micah 6:1-5)
Micah 6:1-3 opens with a dramatic call to attention: "Listen to what the LORD says: 'Stand up, plead your case before the mountains, let the hills hear what you have to say.'" (Micah 6:1). This is not a private matter; all of creation is summoned as witness to the Lord's case against His people. The very foundations of the earth are called to listen, emphasizing the gravity and cosmic significance of the situation. The LORD has a case against his people, and he will argue it against Israel (Micah 6:2). The Lord presents his lawsuit before all creation, and his point is solid.
The Lord's argument, detailed in Micah 6:4-5, strikes at the heart of His relationship with Israel. It is a recounting of His faithfulness, a poignant reminder of the grace they have taken for granted. First, He declares, "I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery" (Micah 6:4). The Exodus, the single most defining event in Israel's history, is presented as the cornerstone of their covenant relationship. Nothing compares to God's powerful deliverance of Israel from Egypt.
Second, God highlights the leaders He provided: "I sent Moses to lead you, also Aaron and Miriam" (Micah 6:4). These figures hold positions of prominence in Israel's history. They were instruments of God's will, guiding and protecting the people. Finally, God reminds them of His protection during their journey to the Promised Land, specifically referencing the episode with King Balak of Moab and Balaam son of Beor (Micah 6:5). Balak sought to curse Israel, but God intervened, turning the curse into a blessing (see Numbers 22-24).
Beyond Ritual: What God Truly Desires (Micah 6:6-8)
Having established His faithfulness, the Lord challenges Israel's understanding of how to please Him. Micah 6:6-7 poses a series of rhetorical questions: "With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" These questions reveal the people's misguided belief that elaborate sacrifices could atone for their lack of genuine devotion.
The answer, revealed in Micah 6:8, is both profound and simple: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." God is not interested in empty religious rituals. What God desires is your heart and mind. He wants your love and obedience. He’s a personal God and expects a personal relationship. He also expects you to love your neighbors by doing them good and ministering to their needs. This verse encapsulates the essence of true religion:
- Act Justly: This speaks to fairness, equity, and righteousness in all dealings, particularly towards the vulnerable and marginalized.
- Love Mercy (or Steadfast Love): This emphasizes compassion, kindness, and unwavering loyalty to God and others.
- Walk Humbly with Your God: This calls for a posture of humility, dependence, and reverence in our relationship with the Lord.
Religion becomes authentic when it demonstrates itself in the equitable application of biblical truth in order to meet the needs of people in God’s name (see James 1:27).
The Inevitable Consequences (Micah 6:9-16)
Micah 6:9-16 unveils the impending judgment due to the people's continued wickedness. Micah says God’s people should pay attention to the rod of discipline and the one who ordained it (Micah 6:9). But they’re like children disciplined by their father only to remain foolishly unwilling to change their ways. Despite warnings, they persist in their corrupt practices. Micah knows, in fact, that these people are not going to subscribe to God’s requirements. The evidence is against them. Wickedness and violence abound among them (Micah 6:10-12). Therefore, God’s punishment will be unleashed. Regardless of what they have or acquire, they will not be satisfied with it (Micah 6:14).
It’s possible to get everything you want—but not be satisfied. True satisfaction is found in God. Their pursuit of wealth and power has led to injustice, dishonesty, and ultimately, spiritual emptiness. As a result, they will experience loss, famine, and ultimately, the Lord's displeasure. By rejecting him and following Israel into idolatry, the people of Judah would face contempt and scorn (Micah 6:16).
Micah 6 serves as a timeless reminder that true worship transcends outward displays of piety. God desires a transformed heart, expressed through righteous actions, compassionate love, and humble dependence on Him. It is a call to examine our own lives, ensuring that our faith is not merely a facade, but a genuine reflection of God's character and will.
Hear ye now what the Lord saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice.
Hear ye, O mountains, the Lord’s controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the Lord hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.
O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.
For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.
O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the Lord.
Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
The Lord’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.
Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable?
Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights?
For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.
Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins.
Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied; and thy casting down shall be in the midst of thee; and thou shalt take hold, but shalt not deliver; and that which thou deliverest will I give up to the sword.
Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil; and sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine.
For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people.
Micah 6 marks a pivotal point in the book, shifting from prophecies of future hope back to the pressing issue of Israel’s spiritual and moral decay. The Lord initiates a lawsuit against His people, laying bare their unfaithfulness in stark contrast to His unwavering love and provision. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of genuine obedience over mere ritual, and the consequences of turning away from God's righteous path.
The Lord's Lawsuit (Micah 6:1-5)
Micah 6:1-3 opens with a dramatic call to attention: "Listen to what the LORD says: 'Stand up, plead your case before the mountains, let the hills hear what you have to say.'" (Micah 6:1). This is not a private matter; all of creation is summoned as witness to the Lord's case against His people. The very foundations of the earth are called to listen, emphasizing the gravity and cosmic significance of the situation. The LORD has a case against his people, and he will argue it against Israel (Micah 6:2). The Lord presents his lawsuit before all creation, and his point is solid.
The Lord's argument, detailed in Micah 6:4-5, strikes at the heart of His relationship with Israel. It is a recounting of His faithfulness, a poignant reminder of the grace they have taken for granted. First, He declares, "I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery" (Micah 6:4). The Exodus, the single most defining event in Israel's history, is presented as the cornerstone of their covenant relationship. Nothing compares to God's powerful deliverance of Israel from Egypt.
Second, God highlights the leaders He provided: "I sent Moses to lead you, also Aaron and Miriam" (Micah 6:4). These figures hold positions of prominence in Israel's history. They were instruments of God's will, guiding and protecting the people. Finally, God reminds them of His protection during their journey to the Promised Land, specifically referencing the episode with King Balak of Moab and Balaam son of Beor (Micah 6:5). Balak sought to curse Israel, but God intervened, turning the curse into a blessing (see Numbers 22-24).
Beyond Ritual: What God Truly Desires (Micah 6:6-8)
Having established His faithfulness, the Lord challenges Israel's understanding of how to please Him. Micah 6:6-7 poses a series of rhetorical questions: "With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" These questions reveal the people's misguided belief that elaborate sacrifices could atone for their lack of genuine devotion.
The answer, revealed in Micah 6:8, is both profound and simple: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." God is not interested in empty religious rituals. What God desires is your heart and mind. He wants your love and obedience. He’s a personal God and expects a personal relationship. He also expects you to love your neighbors by doing them good and ministering to their needs. This verse encapsulates the essence of true religion:
- Act Justly: This speaks to fairness, equity, and righteousness in all dealings, particularly towards the vulnerable and marginalized.
- Love Mercy (or Steadfast Love): This emphasizes compassion, kindness, and unwavering loyalty to God and others.
- Walk Humbly with Your God: This calls for a posture of humility, dependence, and reverence in our relationship with the Lord.
Religion becomes authentic when it demonstrates itself in the equitable application of biblical truth in order to meet the needs of people in God’s name (see James 1:27).
The Inevitable Consequences (Micah 6:9-16)
Micah 6:9-16 unveils the impending judgment due to the people's continued wickedness. Micah says God’s people should pay attention to the rod of discipline and the one who ordained it (Micah 6:9). But they’re like children disciplined by their father only to remain foolishly unwilling to change their ways. Despite warnings, they persist in their corrupt practices. Micah knows, in fact, that these people are not going to subscribe to God’s requirements. The evidence is against them. Wickedness and violence abound among them (Micah 6:10-12). Therefore, God’s punishment will be unleashed. Regardless of what they have or acquire, they will not be satisfied with it (Micah 6:14).
It’s possible to get everything you want—but not be satisfied. True satisfaction is found in God. Their pursuit of wealth and power has led to injustice, dishonesty, and ultimately, spiritual emptiness. As a result, they will experience loss, famine, and ultimately, the Lord's displeasure. By rejecting him and following Israel into idolatry, the people of Judah would face contempt and scorn (Micah 6:16).
Micah 6 serves as a timeless reminder that true worship transcends outward displays of piety. God desires a transformed heart, expressed through righteous actions, compassionate love, and humble dependence on Him. It is a call to examine our own lives, ensuring that our faith is not merely a facade, but a genuine reflection of God's character and will.