Micah 6

The Lord’s Case Against His People

1 Listen to what the LORD is saying. Get up, plead your case before the mountains, let the hills hear your voice.

2 Hear, you mountains, the LORD’s accusation, you enduring foundations of the earth, because the LORD has a case against His people and He is bringing charges against Israel.

3 “My people, what have I done to you, How have I worn you out, Answer Me.

4 I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam ahead of you.

5 My people, remember what Balak king of Moab planned and what Balaam son of Beor answered him. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal so you may know the righteous acts of the LORD.”

What the LORD Requires

6 With what should I come before the LORD and bow before the exalted God, Should I come before Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves,

7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams or ten thousand rivers of oil, Should I give my firstborn for my rebellion, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul,

8 He has shown you, man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you, To act justly, to love faithful love, and to walk humbly with your God.

Israel’s Guilt and Punishment

9 The voice of the LORD calls out to the city, and it is wise to fear Your name. Hear the rod and the One who appointed it.

10 Are there still treasures gained by wickedness in the house of the wicked, and a short measure that is cursed,

11 Can I excuse dishonest scales or a bag of false weights,

12 The rich among you are full of violence, your people speak lies, and their tongues are deceitful in their mouths.

13 So I am striking you with a severe blow, ruining you because of your sins.

14 You will eat but not be satisfied, and hunger will stay inside you. You will try to save but will not keep anything, and what you do save I will give to the sword.

15 You will plant but not harvest, you will press olives but not use the oil, you will crush grapes but not drink the wine.

16 You keep the statutes of Omri and all the practices of Ahab’s house, and you follow their advice. So I will make you a ruin and your people an object of scorn, and you will bear the disgrace of My people.”