Micah 1:2

KJV

Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord GOD be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085}, all ye people {H5971}; hearken {H7181}, O earth {H776}, and all that therein {H4393} is: and let the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} be witness {H5707} against you, the Lord {H136} from his holy {H6944} temple {H1964}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Listen, peoples, all of you! Pay attention, earth, and everything in it! Adonai ELOHIM will witness against you, Adonai, from his holy temple.

Berean Standard Bible

Hear, O peoples, all of you; listen, O earth, and everyone in it! May the Lord GOD bear witness against you, the Lord from His holy temple.

American Standard Version

Hear, ye peoples, all of you; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord Jehovah be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 1:2 serves as a dramatic and authoritative summons, initiating the prophet Micah's message with a universal call for attention. It establishes a divine courtroom scene where the Lord God, from His holy temple, declares Himself a witness against His people, underscoring the gravity of the impending judgment and the cosmic scope of His sovereign authority over all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 1:2 functions as a solemn, formal introduction to the entire book, immediately establishing the prophetic oracle as a divine pronouncement of immense significance. It sets a legal tone, akin to a divine court session, where God is both the accuser and the judge, and the entire created order is called to bear witness. This universal summons precedes the specific pronouncements of judgment against Samaria (the capital of Israel) and Jerusalem (the capital of Judah) that follow in [Micah 1:5-7](/micah/1-5-7 "Micah 1:5-7 - Judgment on Samaria") and [Micah 1:9-16](/micah/1-9-16 "Micah 1:9-16 - Judgment on Jerusalem"). The verse's dramatic opening ensures that the audience, both human and cosmic, understands the weight and authority of the words to come, preparing them for the themes of sin, judgment, and eventual restoration that permeate the book.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Micah ministered in Judah during the reigns of Kings Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (roughly 740-687 BC), a period of significant political and social turmoil. Both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah were plagued by widespread social injustice, idolatry, and moral decay. The wealthy oppressed the poor, leaders were corrupt, and false prophets abounded. This era also saw the rising threat of the Assyrian Empire, which would eventually conquer Samaria in 722 BC and lay siege to Jerusalem. In this context, the call to "Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth" evokes the ancient Near Eastern legal practice of summoning witnesses to a covenant lawsuit. God, as the suzerain (overlord) of the covenant, brings charges against His vassal people, and the earth itself is called to testify, highlighting the cosmic implications of Israel's covenant infidelity. The mention of "His holy temple" grounds God's authority in Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center of Judah, from which divine justice would emanate.

* **Key Themes:** Micah 1:2 introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the prophetic book and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it emphasizes God's **absolute sovereignty and universal authority**, as His call extends not only to "all ye people" but also to the "earth and all that therein is," demonstrating His dominion over all creation. Secondly, it highlights God's role as the **impartial Judge and Witness**, underscoring the principle of divine accountability. The Lord is not merely observing but actively testifying against the transgressions of His people, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 1:2](/isaiah/1-2 "Isaiah 1:2 - Heaven and Earth as Witnesses"). Thirdly, the verse establishes the **holiness and justice of God**, emanating from His "holy temple." This signifies that judgment is not arbitrary but proceeds from the very heart of God's righteous character and His established dwelling place among His people, as seen in [Psalm 11:4](/psalm/11-4 "Psalm 11:4 - God's Throne in Heaven"). These themes collectively set the stage for Micah's message of impending judgment due to sin, but also implicitly, the hope of future restoration for a repentant remnant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ_):** This primitive root means "to hear intelligently," often implying attention, obedience, and understanding. It is not merely auditory perception but a call to heed, to listen carefully with the intent to respond and obey. In this context, it is a command for all summoned parties to pay serious attention to the divine proclamation.
* **Witness (Hebrew, _ʻêd_):** Contracted from a root meaning "to bear witness," this word concretely refers to a witness or, abstractly, testimony. Here, it describes God's active role in the divine courtroom. He is not just an observer but the one who will testify against His people, presenting the evidence of their covenant violations.
* **Temple (Hebrew, _hêykâl_):** Likely from a root meaning "capacity," this term denotes a large public building, specifically a palace or temple. In Micah 1:2, it refers to the Jerusalem Temple, God's sacred dwelling place. Its mention signifies that the divine judgment originates from the very seat of God's presence and authority among His people, emphasizing the solemnity and legitimacy of the pronouncement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is":** This opening clause is a dramatic, universal summons. The double imperative ("Hear," "hearken") underscores the urgency and importance of the message. The call extends beyond Israel and Judah to "all ye people" (humanity) and even to the "earth, and all that therein is" (the entire created order). This hyperbole emphasizes the cosmic significance of God's impending judgment, framing it as a matter of universal concern and implying that creation itself will bear witness to humanity's unfaithfulness.
* **"and let the Lord GOD be witness against you":** This clause introduces God's specific role in this divine courtroom. The combined title "Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) emphasizes both God's supreme sovereignty (Adonai, Master) and His covenant faithfulness (Yahweh, the personal name of God). He is not a distant deity but the covenant partner who now stands as the "witness" against His people. This implies that He has observed their transgressions and will present the undeniable evidence of their unfaithfulness to the covenant.
* **"the Lord from his holy temple":** This final phrase specifies the origin point of God's witness and judgment. The "holy temple" in Jerusalem was the symbol of God's presence among His people. That the judgment proceeds "from his holy temple" signifies that God's justice is rooted in His inherent holiness and His established relationship with Israel. It also implies that the very place meant for worship and communion has become the source from which judgment is declared, highlighting the severity of the people's sin in profaning His presence.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 1:2 is rich in **Literary Devices** that amplify its dramatic impact and theological weight. The most prominent is the **Legal Metaphor** or **Courtroom Scene**, where God acts as the judge and witness, summoning the entire world to hear the charges against His people. This framework establishes the gravity and justice of the impending judgment. The prophet employs **Apostrophe** by directly addressing inanimate entities like "O earth," giving them a voice and a role in this cosmic drama. This is further enhanced by **Personification**, as the earth is called to "hearken" and implicitly to bear witness, treating it as a sentient participant capable of hearing and understanding divine pronouncements. The phrase "all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is" also utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the universal scope and overwhelming importance of God's message, suggesting that no one and nothing can escape the reach of His divine summons and judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 1:2 powerfully establishes God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reveals a God who is intimately involved in human affairs, not merely observing but actively holding His creation accountable. The concept of God as a "witness" against His people underscores His omniscience and righteousness, demonstrating that His judgment is always just and based on undeniable truth. This verse sets the stage for the entire book of Micah, which oscillates between pronouncements of judgment for sin and promises of restoration for a repentant remnant, all undergirded by God's unchanging character. It reminds us that divine revelation, whether in judgment or salvation, is a cosmic event, impacting all creation.

* [Psalm 50:1-6](/psalm/50-1-6 "Psalm 50:1-6 - God Gathers His People for Judgment")
* [Isaiah 1:2](/isaiah/1-2 "Isaiah 1:2 - Heaven and Earth as Witnesses")
* [Amos 1:2](/amos/1-2 "Amos 1:2 - The Lord Roars from Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 1:2 serves as a timeless and potent reminder of the gravity of divine communication and the universal accountability of humanity before God. For us today, this verse compels us to cultivate a posture of deep attentiveness to God's Word, recognizing that His pronouncements, whether of warning or promise, are not to be taken lightly. Just as the ancient world was summoned to hear, so too are we called to truly "hearken" – to listen with an obedient heart that allows God's truth to penetrate and transform our lives. Understanding that the "Lord GOD" stands as a witness against all unrighteousness should foster a profound sense of responsibility and encourage us to live lives that honor His holiness and justice. It calls us to examine our own hearts and actions, ensuring that our lives align with His righteous standards, knowing that nothing is hidden from His sight. This verse ultimately invites us to a deeper reverence for God's majestic presence and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, inspiring both humility and a renewed commitment to walk in His ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of "the Lord GOD being witness against you" impact your understanding of personal accountability before God?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to "hearken" more attentively to God's voice, moving beyond mere hearing to active obedience?**
* **What does it mean for God's judgment to proceed "from his holy temple," and how does this affect your view of His presence and holiness?**

### FAQ

**Why does Micah call upon "the earth, and all that therein is" to hear God's message?**

Answer: Micah's universal summons to "the earth, and all that therein is" serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it emphasizes the cosmic scope and gravity of God's judgment, indicating that the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness are not limited to them but have implications for the entire created order. Secondly, it functions as a legal metaphor, transforming the scene into a divine courtroom where the earth and its inhabitants are called to bear witness to God's righteous indictment against His people. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and the undeniable nature of His charges. It underscores that God's covenant relationship with Israel had universal implications, and their failure to uphold it was a matter of cosmic concern, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 32:1](/deuteronomy/32-1 "Deuteronomy 32:1 - Moses' Song of Witness").

**What is the significance of the title "Lord GOD" in this verse?**

Answer: The title "Lord GOD" in Micah 1:2 combines two significant Hebrew terms: `H136 (ʼĂdônây)` and `H3069 (Yᵉhôvih)`. `ʼĂdônây` signifies "Master" or "Sovereign Lord," emphasizing God's supreme authority and dominion over all. `Yᵉhôvih` is a variation of `YHWH` (Yahweh), God's personal covenant name, which speaks to His faithfulness, His self-existence, and His unique relationship with Israel. The combination "Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) therefore powerfully conveys both God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and justice, even when that justice involves judgment for disobedience. It underscores that the one who is bringing charges is both the ultimate authority and the faithful covenant partner.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 1:2, with its dramatic summons and declaration of divine witness from the holy temple, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The call to "Hear, all ye people" ultimately points to the supreme voice of God's Son, Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate revelation of God. As the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), Jesus is the one whom God commands all to hear: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him!" ([Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Transfiguration")). Furthermore, the concept of the "Lord GOD being witness against you" is fulfilled in Christ, who is the [faithful and true witness](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness") of God, revealing both God's righteous judgment against sin and His merciful provision for salvation. He is the one before whom [every knee will bow](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow") and [every tongue confess](/romans/14-11 "Romans 14:11 - Confession to God"). Finally, the pronouncement from "his holy temple" foreshadows Jesus as the [true Temple](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection"), the dwelling place of God among humanity, from whom all divine authority and judgment now proceed. Through His atoning sacrifice, He offers a new covenant, inviting all who "hear His voice" ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - Jesus' Sheep Hear His Voice")) to enter into His spiritual temple, the Church, and find reconciliation rather than condemnation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 1:2

¶ Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

Psalms 11:4

¶ The LORD [is] in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne [is] in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

Revelation 2:7

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Jeremiah 22:29

O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD.

Jonah 2:7

When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.

Revelation 3:13

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Malachi 3:5

And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger [from his right], and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.