Micah 6:2

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.

Hear {H8085} ye, O mountains {H2022}, the LORD'S {H3068} controversy {H7379}, and ye strong {H386} foundations {H4146} of the earth {H776}: for the LORD {H3068} hath a controversy {H7379} with his people {H5971}, and he will plead {H3198} with Israel {H3478}.

Listen, mountains, to ADONAI's case; also you enduring rocks that support the earth! ADONAI has a case against his people; he wants to argue it out with Isra'el:

Hear, O mountains, the LORD’s indictment, you enduring foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against His people, and He will argue it against Israel:

Hear, O ye mountains, Jehovah’s controversy, and ye enduring foundations of the earth; for Jehovah hath a controversy with his people, and he will contend with Israel.

Commentary

Micah 6:2 serves as a dramatic opening to a profound divine lawsuit, where God, through the prophet Micah, brings a legal case against His unfaithful people, Israel and Judah.

Context

Following the command in Micah 6:1 for the mountains and strong foundations of the earth to hear, verse 2 reiterates and specifies the nature of this summons. The prophet is setting the scene for a cosmic courtroom where the very landscape is called to witness God's indictment against His covenant people. This imagery underscores the immense gravity and universal scope of the charges God is about to lay against Israel, emphasizing that their actions are not hidden from the Creator of all things.

Key Themes

  • Divine Lawsuit (Controversy): The central theme is God's "controversy" (Hebrew: riv or rib), which signifies a legal dispute or formal accusation. God is not merely expressing anger but is presenting a structured case against Israel for their covenant breaking. This highlights God's justice and His adherence to the terms of His covenant relationship.
  • Creation as Witness: By calling the "mountains" and "strong foundations of the earth" to hear, God invokes creation itself as a silent, impartial witness to His righteous dealings and Israel's unfaithfulness. This imagery echoes similar calls to witness in other prophetic books, such as Isaiah 1:2 and Deuteronomy 32:1, underscoring the universal significance of God's relationship with His people.
  • God's Patient Pleading: The phrase "he will plead with Israel" (Hebrew: yakach) suggests that God is not simply condemning but is engaging in a process of argument, reasoning, and conviction. It implies a desire for His people to understand their transgressions and return to Him, rather than immediate destruction. This shows God's enduring patience and His desire for reconciliation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "controversy," riv (רִיב), is a legal term often translated as "dispute," "quarrel," or "lawsuit." It emphasizes the formal nature of God's case against Israel, rooted in their failure to uphold the covenant. The word "plead," yakach (יָכַח), conveys the idea of arguing a case, rebuking, or reasoning with someone. It's a powerful word that shows God's active engagement with His people, aiming to bring them to a point of recognition and repentance.

Practical Application

Micah 6:2 reminds us that God is a God of justice who holds His people accountable. Just as He had a "controversy" with ancient Israel, He continues to call His followers today to examine their lives in light of His word and covenant. The imagery of creation as a witness serves as a powerful reminder of God's omnipresence and that nothing is hidden from Him. Furthermore, God's willingness to "plead" with His people highlights His persistent love and desire for us to turn from wrongdoing and live righteously, emphasizing His restorative grace even in the face of judgment. This verse encourages self-examination and a humble response to God's continued call for faithfulness.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hosea 4:1

    ¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because [there is] no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

  • Hosea 12:2

    The LORD hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him.

  • Isaiah 1:18

    Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

  • 2 Samuel 22:16

    And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.

  • Deuteronomy 32:22

    For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.

  • Psalms 104:5

    [Who] laid the foundations of the earth, [that] it should not be removed for ever.

  • Jeremiah 2:29

    ¶ Wherefore will ye plead with me? ye all have transgressed against me, saith the LORD.
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