Tyndale Open Study NotesMicah 6

The Lord presented, argued, and decided a case against his rebellious people, Israel. This section is written as a formal legal court case. Other prophets use the same pattern (compare Isaiah 1:2–4; Jeremiah 2:4–9; Hosea 4).

Using the image of a courtroom, the Lord challenged his people to state their case against him. At the same time, he stated his case against them (Micah 6:1–5). The people had not obeyed what the Lord required of them (Micah 6:6–8), so they were found guilty (6:9–12).

After the guilty verdict, the passage describes Israel’s punishment. This final section announces the sentence that follows the judgment (Micah 6:13–16).

mountains … hills: All creation is called as a witness (see Joshua 24:27). In other ancient Near Eastern treaties, they called the gods of the countries as witnesses.

wearied you!: The Lord asks if he has done anything to make Israel turn away from him. However, their disrespect for God comes from their own lack of gratitude (Micah 6:4–5).

• The Lord led Israel out of Egypt, protected them, and blessed them on their journey to the promised land. God urged Israel to always remember what he had done for them from Sinai onward (Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 5:15; Psalms 77:11; 111:4; see also Psalms 78, 136).

• Balak … Balaam: (see Numbers 22–24).

• Shittim, east of the Jordan River, was Israel’s base camp before entering the promised land (see Numbers 25:1; Joshua 2:1; 3:1). The journey from there to Gilgal (west of the Jordan River) shows God’s faithful covenant. God’s saving acts brought the Israelites into the promised land.

Israel's situation seemed hopeless, so they asked the Lord how to please him. They offered increasingly significant items, from calves to rams, olive oil, and even firstborn children. None of these offerings was enough or acceptable to God, who judges the heart (1 Samuel 15:22; 16:7; Jeremiah 17:9).

• Good means what is right in God's eyes. God is the source of all goodness (Genesis 1; Exodus 33:19; 34:6–7; Deuteronomy 12:28).

• what is good (Hebrew mishpat, often translated as "justice"): This means treating others fairly and without manipulation or oppression.

• mercy (Hebrew khesed): This is a deep, undeserved loyalty that defines God's holy character (see Psalm 136). Those who know God should act this way toward others (see Genesis 21:22–24; Joshua 2:12–14; Matthew 5:43–48).

• walk humbly: God’s people must live with humility. They must not act with pride or claim special privilege. Instead, they should live in reverent fear of God (deep respect and awe). Mishpat ("justice") and khesed ("mercy") cannot exist together with human pride. God wants an ongoing, close relationship with his people. This relationship is described as a “walk” (a way of living life each day). This walk changes how people treat one another (compare Deuteronomy 28:9; Joshua 22:5).

People in Jerusalem were invited to learn from Samaria: If you oppress others to gain wealth (Micah 6:10–12), you will never have enough, no matter how much you acquire (6:13–15). Eventually, you will lose even that (Micah 6:16). Such people deserve scorn, not honor and praise (Micah 6:16).

• Wise people respect the Lord. God's voice invites everyone in Jerusalem to learn wisdom (compare Proverbs 1:7, 20, 28).

• Heed the rod … who ordained it: Assyria would carry out the Lord’s plan to destroy Samaria, while Babylon would be the instrument of destruction for Jerusalem (Micah 4:10).

The Lord brought clear charges against his people. Israel had become a community marked by lies and dishonesty. Because of this, they faced rejection and destruction.

The people gained wealth through dishonest means. They used unfair business practices and relied on threats and violence. These actions were not fitting for people who claimed to belong to God (see 2 Kings 6:25; Hosea 12:7–8; Amos 8:5–6).

They were unable to change because lying had become their normal way of life (compare Proverbs 6:16–19). As a result, Israel was corrupt in every part of its life.

I am striking you severely: This phrase introduces the curses God promised to bring upon the disobedient and rebellious people of Israel (see Deuteronomy 28:15–68).

These kings started perhaps the most rebellious dynasty in northern Israel that lasted from 885 to 841 BC (1 Kings 16:23—2 Kings 10:17). Elijah predicted their destruction (2 Kings 10:17). No northern kings of Israel followed the laws of Moses (see Micah 1:5–6).

Omri and his son Ahab were the worst of the evil kings (for example, 1 Kings 18:4; 21:1–26). Omri’s family line of kings was destroyed by Jehu, whom the Lord appointed to judge the royal house of Israel, in 841 BC (2 Kings 9:14–10:17). In the same way, the people of Israel who followed this evil example would also be destroyed by the Lord.