6:3 6:3

Micah 6:4

6:5 6:5

Bible Versions

For 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.
For I brought thee up {H5927} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, and redeemed {H6299} thee out of the house {H1004} of servants {H5650}; and I sent {H7971} before {H6440} thee Moses {H4872}, Aaron {H175}, and Miriam {H4813}.
I brought you up from the land of Egypt. I redeemed you from a life of slavery. I sent Moshe, Aharon and Miryam to lead you.
For I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery. I sent Moses before you, as well as Aaron and Miriam.
For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of bondage; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.

Micah 6:4 is a powerful reminder from God to His people, Israel, of His unwavering faithfulness and mighty acts of deliverance in their history. This verse serves as the foundation for the subsequent rhetorical questions in Micah 6:3-5, where God challenges Israel to recall His goodness before confronting them about their unfaithfulness.

Context

The book of Micah prophesies during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah (Micah 1:1). Micah's message is one of judgment against Judah and Israel for their idolatry, social injustice, and corruption, alongside promises of future restoration. Chapter 6 opens with a dramatic scene where God calls the mountains and hills to bear witness to His case against Israel. Before listing their sins, God reminds them of His gracious acts, beginning with their foundational story of liberation. This specific verse, Micah 6:4, highlights God's historical benevolence, setting a stark contrast to Israel's current rebellion.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance and Redemption: The core message is God's active role in freeing Israel from slavery. The phrase "brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants" directly recalls the Exodus, the defining event of Israel's formation as a nation. The term "redeemed" (Hebrew: padah) suggests a powerful act of liberation, often involving a ransom or purchase, underscoring the cost and commitment of God in setting His people free.
  • God's Unwavering Faithfulness: This verse underscores God's steadfastness to His covenant promises, even when Israel was in bondage. He initiated their rescue, demonstrating His unchanging character and commitment to His chosen people. This faithfulness is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, from the call of Abraham to the ultimate redemption offered through Christ.
  • Provision of Leadership: God did not just deliver Israel; He also provided them with capable and anointed leaders. "Moses, Aaron, and Miriam" represent the spiritual, priestly, and prophetic guidance God supplied for their journey through the wilderness.
    • Moses: The great lawgiver and leader who spoke with God face-to-face (Exodus 3:10).
    • Aaron: The first high priest, establishing the Levitical priesthood (Exodus 28:1).
    • Miriam: A prophetess and leader among the women, known for her song of praise after the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 15:20).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "house of servants" (Hebrew: bêth ʿăbāḏîm) is a vivid idiomatic expression for slavery or bondage, specifically referring to the oppression Israel endured in Egypt. It emphasizes the totality of their servitude, from which God's powerful hand delivered them. The verb "redeemed" (padah) is crucial; it implies a deliberate, costly act of liberation, not just a casual release. This concept of divine redemption foreshadows the greater spiritual redemption offered in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who redeemed humanity from the bondage of sin.

Practical Application

Micah 6:4 serves as a timeless reminder for all believers. Just as God called Israel to remember His past faithfulness, we too are called to reflect on God's mighty acts in our lives and in salvation history. This verse encourages:

  • Gratitude: To acknowledge and be thankful for God's past and present deliverance, whether from spiritual bondage, difficult circumstances, or sin.
  • Trust: If God was faithful in the past, He can be trusted with our present and future. His character is unchanging (Malachi 3:6).
  • Obedience: Understanding the depth of God's grace and redemption should motivate us to live in grateful obedience and to walk justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God, as articulated later in Micah 6:8.
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.

  • Exodus 12:51

    And it came to pass the selfsame day, [that] the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.

  • Deuteronomy 7:8

    But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

  • Amos 2:10

    Also I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and led you forty years through the wilderness, to possess the land of the Amorite.

  • Exodus 15:20

    And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

  • Exodus 15:21

    And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

  • 2 Samuel 7:23

    And what one nation in the earth [is] like thy people, [even] like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, [from] the nations and their gods?

  • Exodus 20:2

    I [am] the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
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