Micah 6:10

Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure [that is] abominable?

Are there {H786} yet the treasures {H214} of wickedness {H7562}{H376} in the house {H1004} of the wicked {H7563}, and the scant {H7332} measure {H374} that is abominable {H2194}?

Are there still ill-gotten gains in the house of the wicked? still the detestable short eifah-measure?

Can I forget any longer, O house of the wicked, the treasures of wickedness and the short ephah, which is accursed?

Are there yet treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and a scant measure that is abominable?

Commentary

Micah 6:10 stands as a powerful rhetorical question, through which God confronts the people of Judah regarding their pervasive social and economic injustices. It reveals the divine abhorrence for dishonesty and exploitation prevalent even among those who claimed to follow Him.

Context

This verse is part of a larger divine lawsuit (or "rib," Hebrew for a legal dispute) that God brings against His people in Micah chapter 6. Following a profound summary of what God truly requires from humanity (Micah 6:8 – to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God), the prophet Micah shifts to detailing the specific sins that have provoked God’s anger. Verses 9-16 describe a society riddled with corruption, violence, and deceit, highlighting their systemic moral decay rather than just individual transgressions. Micah 6:10 specifically targets economic fraud, a widespread issue that undermined the very fabric of communal trust and fairness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Indignation Against Injustice: The rhetorical question "Are there yet the treasures of wickedness...?" implies God's full awareness and profound disapproval of the ill-gotten gains and dishonest practices. It underscores that God detests dishonest scales and measures.
  • Economic Dishonesty: The phrase "scant measure" refers to fraudulent practices in trade, where merchants would shortchange customers by using undersized or manipulated measuring devices. This was a direct violation of God's law concerning fair dealings, as outlined in Leviticus 19:35-36 and Deuteronomy 25:13-16. Such practices were not just societal wrongs but spiritual abominations.
  • Systemic Corruption: The mention of "treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked" points to wealth accumulated through systemic fraud, not just isolated incidents. It suggests that dishonesty was ingrained in the economic life of many, leading to prosperity for the wicked at the expense of the poor and vulnerable.

Linguistic Insights

The term "scant measure" (Hebrew: ephah zarurah or simply referring to a deficient measure) vividly describes the act of giving less than what is due or expected. The word "abominable" (Hebrew: to'ebah) is very strong, frequently used in the Old Testament to denote something utterly detestable to God, often associated with idolatry, sexual immorality, or severe social injustices. Its use here emphasizes the gravity of economic deceit in God's eyes, placing it on par with other grievous sins.

Practical Application

Micah 6:10 serves as a timeless reminder of God's unchanging character concerning justice and fairness. For believers today, this verse calls for:

  • Integrity in Business: It challenges us to conduct all our financial and commercial dealings with absolute honesty, ensuring fair prices, accurate measures, and transparent practices.
  • Ethical Conduct: It speaks to the importance of ethical behavior in all aspects of life, warning against any form of exploitation or deceit.
  • Social Responsibility: It encourages a critical look at societal systems and practices, prompting us to advocate for justice and fairness, especially for the vulnerable, and to oppose any form of systemic injustice.

Reflection

God's rhetorical question in Micah 6:10 is a penetrating inquiry into the heart of a corrupt society. It reveals that no ill-gotten gain escapes His notice and that He demands integrity and justice from His people. The presence of "treasures of wickedness" and "scant measures" within a community is an affront to His righteous character, highlighting that true worship and relationship with God are inextricably linked to living justly and loving mercy.

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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

  • Amos 3:10 (5 votes)

    For they know not to do right, saith the LORD, who store up violence and robbery in their palaces.

  • Amos 8:5 (4 votes)

    Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?

  • Amos 8:6 (4 votes)

    That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; [yea], and sell the refuse of the wheat?

  • Proverbs 20:10 (4 votes)

    ¶ Divers weights, [and] divers measures, both of them [are] alike abomination to the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 5:26 (4 votes)

    For among my people are found wicked [men]: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.

  • Jeremiah 5:27 (4 votes)

    As a cage is full of birds, so [are] their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich.

  • Leviticus 19:35 (3 votes)

    Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure.