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Micah 6

World English Bible

WEB

1Listen now to what Yahweh says: “Arise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear what you have to say. 2Hear, you mountains, Yahweh’s indictment, and you enduring foundations of the earth; for Yahweh has a case against his people, and he will contend with Israel. 3My people, what have I done to you? How have I burdened you? Answer me! 4For I brought you up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage. I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. 5My people, remember now what Balak king of Moab devised, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the righteous acts of Yahweh.” 6How shall I come before Yahweh, and bow myself before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7Will Yahweh be pleased with thousands of rams? With tens of thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my disobedience? The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? 9Yahweh’s voice calls to the city— and wisdom fears your name— “Listen to the rod, and he who appointed it. 10Are there yet treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and a short ephah that is accursed? 11Shall I tolerate dishonest scales, and a bag of deceitful weights? 12Her rich men are full of violence, her inhabitants speak lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their speech. 13Therefore I also have struck you with a grievous wound. I have made you desolate because of your sins. 14You shall eat, but not be satisfied. Your hunger will be within you. You will store up, but not save, and that which you save I will give up to the sword. 15You will sow, but won’t reap. You will tread the olives, but won’t anoint yourself with oil; and crush grapes, but won’t drink the wine. 16For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of Ahab’s house. You walk in their counsels, that I may make you a ruin, and your inhabitants a hissing. You will bear the reproach of my people.”

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Micah Chapter 6 presents a powerful dialogue between God and His people, illustrating the theme of divine justice and the expectations of true worship. The chapter opens with a courtroom scene where God calls the mountains and hills to witness His case against Israel. He reminds them of His past faithfulness, recounting how He delivered them from slavery in #Egypt and led them through the wilderness. This serves as a reminder of God's covenant relationship with His people and His desire for them to respond with faithfulness and obedience. The rhetorical question posed by God, 'What have I done to you?' (Micah 6:3), emphasizes His longing for a genuine relationship rather than mere ritualistic practices.

As the chapter progresses, the people respond with confusion, asking what sacrifices would please God. They suggest offerings of burnt sacrifices and even their firstborn, reflecting a misunderstanding of what God truly desires. In verse 8, Micah clarifies God's requirements: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. This succinctly summarizes the essence of true worship and ethical living, highlighting that God values our character and actions over empty rituals. The chapter concludes with a warning about the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness, reminding us that God is just and will not overlook sin. Micah 6 serves as a timeless call for believers to reflect on their relationship with God and to embody His justice and mercy in their daily lives.

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Referenced by

  1. Deuteronomy 10:12v8Deuteronomy 10:12 calls Israel to fear the Lord, walk in His ways, love Him, and serve Him with all their heart and soul. Micah 6:8 echoes this call by summarizing what the Lord requires: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
  2. Psalms 15:2v8Psalm 15:2 describes the characteristics of a righteous person, which aligns with Micah 6:8's call to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
  3. Isaiah 56:1v8Isaiah 56:1 calls for justice and righteousness, which aligns with Micah 6:8's emphasis on doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God.
  4. Jeremiah 22:3v8Jeremiah 22:3 calls for justice and righteousness, echoing the call in Micah 6:8 to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
  5. Hosea 4:1v2Hosea 4:1 and Micah 6:2 both depict God bringing a charge against Israel for their unfaithfulness and lack of knowledge of God, highlighting the covenantal lawsuit motif.
  6. Hosea 12:6v8Hosea 12:6 calls for returning to God, maintaining love and justice, and waiting on God, which parallels Micah 6:8's call to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
  7. Amos 5:24v8Amos 5:24's call for 'justice to roll down like waters' is echoed in Micah 6:8, which emphasizes doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God.
  8. Zechariah 7:9v8Zechariah 7:9 emphasizes the need for justice, mercy, and compassion, echoing Micah 6:8, which summarizes what the Lord requires: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
  9. Matthew 23:23v8Matthew 23:23 criticizes the Pharisees for neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness, which aligns with Micah 6:8's call to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

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