Micah 6:13

KJV

Therefore also will I make [thee] sick in smiting thee, in making [thee] desolate because of thy sins.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore also will I make thee sick {H2470} in smiting {H5221} thee, in making thee desolate {H8074} because of thy sins {H2403}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore, I am starting to strike you down, to destroy you because of your sins.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore I am striking you severely, to ruin you because of your sins.

American Standard Version

Therefore I also have smitten thee with a grievous wound; I have made thee desolate because of thy sins.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 6:13 serves as a solemn declaration of divine judgment against the people of Judah, revealing God's direct intervention to bring about severe consequences—sickness and desolation—as a just recompense for their persistent unfaithfulness and deep-seated sins. This verse underscores the inescapable reality that unrepentant rebellion against God's covenant demands a righteous response, manifesting as debilitating internal decay and external ruin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 6:13 is situated within the powerful "covenant lawsuit" (Hebrew: *rib*) section of Micah 6:1-8, where God, acting as both plaintiff and judge, presents His case against His people. Having reminded them of His faithful acts (Micah 6:3-5) and articulated His true desires (Micah 6:8), the preceding verses (Micah 6:9-12) detail the specific transgressions that have provoked His wrath. These include widespread social injustice, dishonest business practices like "dishonest weights and deceitful balances" ([Micah 6:10](/micah/6-10 "Micah 6:10 - Dishonest Practices")) and "bags of deceitful weights" ([Micah 6:11](/micah/6-11 "Micah 6:11 - Deceitful Weights")), and the pervasive violence that filled the city. Therefore, Micah 6:13 functions as the climactic pronouncement of the inevitable judgment that will befall them precisely "because of thy sins," marking the direct consequence of their failure to live according to the covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Micah ministered in Judah during the late 8th century BCE, a tumultuous period spanning the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. This era was characterized by profound moral decay, rampant social injustice, and widespread idolatry, even amidst outward religious observance. The ruling elite and wealthy landowners oppressed the poor, manipulated legal systems, and engaged in dishonest economic practices, directly violating the Mosaic Law. Culturally, the people had adopted pagan practices and syncretistic worship, blurring the lines between Yahweh worship and idolatry, leading to a spiritual sickness that permeated society. Geographically, Judah's strategic location made it vulnerable to regional powers, particularly the rising Assyrian Empire, which served as a looming instrument of divine judgment, though the specific "sickness" and "desolation" in this verse refer to internal decay and ruin orchestrated by God Himself.
* **Key Themes:** Micah 6:13 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Micah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, demonstrating God's unwavering righteousness and His commitment to holding His people accountable for their actions. The "sickness" and "desolation" are not arbitrary punishments but direct, proportional responses to the nation's spiritual and moral corruption, aligning with the covenant curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Retribution for Injustice**, specifically linking the impending suffering to their "sins," which, as detailed in [Micah 6:9-12](/micah/6-9-12 "Micah 6:9-12 - Specific Transgressions"), were predominantly social and economic injustices. The internal decay and external ruin mirror the spiritual sickness and societal breakdown they fostered through their unrighteousness. Finally, the phrase "will I make thee sick in smiting thee" underscores **God's Active Role** in executing judgment, emphasizing that this is not merely a natural outcome of sin but a deliberate act of divine discipline, demonstrating His sovereignty over the consequences of human rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sick (Hebrew, _châlâh'_):** From H2470, this root implies being rubbed or worn, hence figuratively to be weak, diseased, or afflicted. It suggests a debilitating internal condition, a profound state of infirmity or grief. When God "makes sick," it implies a process of weakening, causing pain, or bringing about a grievous condition that saps strength and vitality from within.
* **smiting (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, this primitive root means to strike, beat, or wound, either lightly or severely, literally or figuratively. It denotes a direct, forceful blow or impact. In this context, God's "smiting" signifies a deliberate, decisive act of judgment, a direct infliction of punishment that causes pain, injury, or destruction.
* **desolate (Hebrew, _shâmêm'_):** From H8074, this root means to stun, grow numb, devastate, or stupefy. It conveys a sense of being appalled, astonished, laid waste, or ruined. When God makes "desolate," it points to utter destruction, emptiness, or a state of being utterly stripped of life, resources, or hope, leading to a profound sense of shock and ruin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore also will I make [thee] sick":** This clause introduces God's direct punitive action. The "therefore" links it directly to the preceding accusations of sin. God declares His intention to inflict an internal, debilitating condition upon Judah, a spiritual and national malaise that will weaken and grieve them from within, mirroring their moral corruption.
* **"in smiting thee":** This phrase specifies the method of God's judgment. It indicates a forceful, direct, and painful blow from God. The "smiting" is the active means by which the "sickness" and subsequent desolation are brought about, emphasizing God's direct agency in their suffering.
* **"in making [thee] desolate":** This clause describes the ultimate outcome of God's judgment. Beyond internal sickness, Judah will experience external ruin and emptiness. This desolation signifies a state of utter waste, destruction, and abandonment, affecting their land, cities, and societal structures, leaving them stunned and ruined.
* **"because of thy sins":** This crucial phrase provides the explicit justification for God's actions. It unequivocally states that the sickness, smiting, and desolation are not arbitrary but are direct, just consequences of Judah's unrepentant rebellion, their moral failures, social injustices, and idolatry, which are collectively termed "thy sins."

#### Literary Devices
Micah 6:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. The most prominent is **Divine Speech**, as the verse is presented as a direct oracle from the Lord ("will I make thee sick"), emphasizing God's personal and active involvement in the unfolding consequences. There is a strong use of **Cause and Effect**, where Judah's "sins" are explicitly stated as the direct cause for God's punitive actions of "sickness," "smiting," and "desolation." The terms "sick" and "desolate" function as **Metaphors** for both internal spiritual decay and external national ruin, painting a vivid picture of comprehensive destruction that affects both the inner life and outward circumstances of the people. The triple declaration of judgment—sickness, smiting, and desolation—creates a sense of **Climax** and **Intensification**, demonstrating the severity and totality of God's righteous wrath against unrepentant sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 6:13 profoundly underscores the biblical principle of divine justice and the inherent consequences of sin. It reveals that God, while merciful and patient, is also righteous and holy, and He will not indefinitely tolerate unrepentant rebellion. The "sickness" and "desolation" are not arbitrary acts but are intrinsically linked to the moral and spiritual sickness that had already permeated Judah, demonstrating a profound theological truth: sin, by its very nature, brings about decay and ruin. This verse serves as a stark reminder of God's sovereignty over history and His commitment to upholding His covenant, whether through blessings for obedience or curses for disobedience. It highlights the seriousness with which God views human sin, particularly when it involves injustice and a departure from His revealed will, emphasizing that His judgment is a necessary expression of His character.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Lamentations 1:8](/lamentations/1-8 "Lamentations 1:8 - Jerusalem's Sin and Suffering")
* [Isaiah 1:5-6](/isaiah/1-5-6 "Isaiah 1:5-6 - Israel's Sickness and Wounds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 6:13 stands as a timeless and sobering reminder that actions have consequences, especially in our relationship with a holy God. For contemporary believers, this verse calls us to a profound self-examination, urging us to consider the seriousness of our own sins, both individual and corporate. It challenges the notion that God's grace negates His justice, instead affirming that true grace leads to repentance and a transformed life. We are called not only to outward religious observance but to genuine integrity, justice, and compassion in all our dealings, reflecting the character of God as expressed in [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires"). This passage compels us to acknowledge that unaddressed sin can lead to a spiritual "sickness" and "desolation" within our own lives and communities, hindering our walk with God and our witness to the world. It is a call to humility, confession, and a renewed commitment to living in alignment with God's righteous standards.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life, or our community's life, might there be a "sickness" or "desolation" that could be a consequence of unaddressed sin or injustice?**
* **How does understanding God's justice in Micah 6:13 deepen my appreciation for His mercy and grace?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my actions reflect the integrity and justice that God desires, as opposed to the "sins" condemned in Micah?**

### FAQ

**Does God still "make people sick" or "desolate" today because of their sins?**

Answer: While the direct, national judgments described in the Old Testament for covenant disobedience are unique to Israel's historical context, the underlying principle that sin has consequences remains eternally true. God's character as a righteous judge who will not tolerate unrepentant sin is unchanging. Today, God's discipline may manifest in various ways, including natural consequences of sinful choices, internal spiritual distress, or even allowing difficult circumstances to bring about repentance. However, under the New Covenant, believers are primarily under grace, and God's discipline is often redemptive, aimed at correction and restoration rather than ultimate destruction, as seen in [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline"). For those who reject Christ, the ultimate "desolation" is eternal separation from God, as warned in [Matthew 25:46](/matthew/25-46 "Matthew 25:46 - Eternal Punishment").

**How does this verse reconcile with God's love and mercy?**

Answer: Micah 6:13, though a declaration of judgment, is not at odds with God's love and mercy; rather, it highlights the *holiness* and *justice* that are integral to His perfect character. God's love is not sentimental but holy, meaning He cannot overlook sin without compromising His very nature. His warnings and judgments, like those in Micah, are often acts of mercy in themselves, intended to call His people to repentance before ultimate destruction. The "sickness" and "desolation" are a severe form of divine discipline, designed to bring about a change of heart and behavior. Ultimately, God's greatest act of both love and justice is found in Jesus Christ, who bore the judgment for our sins on the cross, making a way for forgiveness and reconciliation for all who believe, as described in [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Still Sinners").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 6:13, with its stark pronouncement of sickness, smiting, and desolation due to sin, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Judah faced a judgment of physical and national ruin for their corporate sin, Christ, as the spotless Lamb of God, willingly bore the full weight of humanity's sin, experiencing the ultimate "sickness" of separation from God and the "smiting" of divine wrath on the cross. The prophet Isaiah foreshadowed this when he wrote, "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted" ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - Christ Bears Our Sickness")). Jesus endured the "desolation" of the cross, crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), so that those who believe in Him might be spared from the just consequences of their own sins. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ transformed the curse of sin into a blessing of redemption, offering spiritual healing and reconciliation with God, thereby fulfilling the demands of divine justice while extending boundless grace to a sinful world ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")).

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

Acts 12:23

And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

Leviticus 26:16

I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.

Hosea 13:16

Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up.

Psalms 107:17

¶ Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.

Psalms 107:18

Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.

Deuteronomy 28:21

The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it.

Deuteronomy 28:22

The LORD shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish.