1 Hear ye now what the LORD saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice.
2 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.
3 O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.
4 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.
5 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.
6 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?
7 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?
8 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?
9 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.
10 Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable?
11 Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights?
12 For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.
13 Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins.
14 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.
15 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.
16 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.
The sixth chapter of the Book of Micah in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible presents a dramatic and poignant dialogue between God, His prophet Micah, and the people of Israel. It is a chapter that serves as a courtroom drama, with God as the plaintiff, Israel as the defendant, and the mountains and hills as the jury. The central theme revolves around the indictment of Israel for their ingratitude and disobedience towards God despite His countless acts of kindness and deliverance.
The chapter begins with God calling upon the mountains and foundations of the earth to bear witness to His dispute with His people. The use of the natural world as a witness serves to highlight the gravity of Israel's transgressions and the seriousness of God's charges against them. This call to the mountains is a figurative way of God expressing His deep disappointment and sorrow over the waywardness of His chosen people.
God, through the mouth of Micah, questions the Israelites about what He has done to make them weary of Him. He reminds them of His saving acts from the time of their slavery in Egypt, emphasizing His faithfulness and mercy. He recounts how He sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to deliver and guide them, and how He turned Balak’s intended curse into a blessing.
In response to God's indictment, the people of Israel ask what they should bring before the Lord to make amends. They suggest extravagant offerings, including thousands of rams, ten thousand rivers of oil, and even their firstborn child. However, these suggestions reflect a misunderstanding of what God truly desires. He does not seek extravagant sacrifices, but a heart that is obedient and walks in righteousness.
In verse 8, Micah presents one of the most well-known and powerful verses in the Bible: “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 prophet makes it clear that God's requirements are not about ritualistic sacrifices, but about ethical and moral behavior. God wants His people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him.
Justice, in this context, implies fair treatment of others, while mercy refers to showing compassion and kindness, especially to those less fortunate. Humility, on the other hand, involves recognizing one's dependence on God and submitting to His will. These requirements are not just for the people of Israel, but they are timeless principles that apply to all believers.
The chapter then moves on to describe the consequences of Israel's disobedience. Because of their sins, including dishonest business practices and violence, the people will face famine and desolation. Their fields and vineyards will fail to yield produce, and their cities will be destroyed. This section serves as a sobering reminder of the detrimental effects of sin and the importance of obedience to God.
Despite the harsh punishment, the chapter does not end on a note of despair. God, even in His anger, is still a God of mercy and compassion. The punishment is intended to correct and purify the people, leading them back to a right relationship with God.
In summary, the sixth chapter of the Book of Micah is a powerful call to repentance and obedience. It highlights God's faithfulness and mercy, and His desire for His people to live in righteousness. The people of Israel are reminded of God's saving acts and are called to remember their covenant with Him.
The chapter serves as a reminder that God is not interested in empty religious rituals and extravagant offerings. Instead, He desires a heart that seeks justice, loves mercy, and walks humbly with Him. It is a call to live out our faith in our daily lives, treating others with fairness and compassion, and walking in humble obedience to God.
The consequences of disobedience are also made clear, serving as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin. However, the chapter also highlights God's mercy and His desire for reconciliation. Even in punishment, God's ultimate goal is the restoration of His people.
The sixth chapter of Micah is a timeless message that continues to resonate with believers today. It reminds us of our responsibilities as followers of God and challenges us to live out our faith in a tangible and meaningful way. It is a call to examine our lives, to repent of our sins, and to strive to live in a way that is pleasing to God.
Share this page