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.
Read it in contextThe Case against Israel
Start reading at Micah 6:1 (Micah 6:1 to Micah 6:8).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The closing movement presses the LORD's case, describes communal corruption, and ends in hope and praise for forgiving mercy.
6:1Hear ye now what the LORD saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice.
6:2Hear 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.
6:3O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.
6:4For 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.
6:5O 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.
6:6Wherewith 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?
6:7Will 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?
6:8He 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?
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Micah of Moresheth is the named prophet and traditional author. Biblical references: Micah 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Micah 6:1–7:20): The LORD's case is presented to His people; Micah speaks of the community's corruption and expresses hope, prayer, and praise on Israel's behalf. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Samaria and Jerusalem, including their rulers, prophets, and people, with an appeal heard by the wider nations. Biblical references: Micah 1:1; Micah 1:2; Micah 3:1. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The Case against Israel. Read Micah 6:1 through Micah 6:8 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The closing movement presses the LORD's case, describes communal corruption, and ends in hope and praise for forgiving mercy. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Micah's opening names the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. The book announces both judgment and later hope. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The vision concerns Samaria and Jerusalem and includes references to towns of Judah, Zion, and Bethlehem. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Case against Israel (Micah 6:1 to Micah 6:8).
Start reading at Micah 6:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Matthew cites the Bethlehem ruler passage in the account of Jesus' birth. Keep the surrounding themes of judgment, shepherding, and peace in view when making that connection. See Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:5, Matthew 2:6. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Practice justice, mercy, and humble walking with God. Read that appeal within the covenant case rather than reducing it to a slogan detached from the book's accusations. interpretation
Cited: Micah 6:1, Micah 6:8, Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:5, Matthew 2:6
Who wrote it, and how we know
MicahNamed in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens with the word of the LORD that came to Micah. Micah 1:1
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Micah 6
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Micah's opening locates his vision concerning Samaria and Jerusalem in the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. The book alternates indictment and hope rather than presenting one undifferentiated promise. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The closing movement presses the LORD's case, describes communal corruption, and ends in hope and praise for forgiving mercy.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The closing movement presses the LORD's case, describes communal corruption, and ends in hope and praise for forgiving mercy.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Micah
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Micah's opening locates his vision concerning Samaria and Jerusalem in the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. The book alternates indictment and hope rather than presenting one undifferentiated promise.
Connection to the wholeThe opening messages expose the conduct bringing judgment on Samaria and Jerusalem, including the failures of rulers and prophets.
Connection to the wholePromises concerning Zion and the ruler from Bethlehem appear alongside conflict and purification, carrying hope beyond the announced judgment.