Micah chapter 6:1-8A court setting -- God versus the

people This court setting is reinforced by legal language, for This court setting is reinforced by legal language, for example:example:– v.1“contend thou”v.1“contend thou” (margin = (margin =“bring charges against”)“bring charges against”) – v.2 “The LORD hath a ‘controversy’ and ‘pleads’ with Israel” v.2 “The LORD hath a ‘controversy’ and ‘pleads’ with Israel” – v3 “testify against me” v3 “testify against me”

Court called to order, verses 1&2• Micah6:1 Hear ye now what the LORD saith; Arise, contend

thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice. 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.

• The mountains and hills are the jury who are called upon to witness. • A court setting is common in scripture i.e. Isa.43:22-26; Joel 3:1-5)

In Joel however God pleads (reproves) the nations. – Joel 3:12 Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the

valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen around about.

Micah 6:2 Hear ye, O mountains, the LORD'S controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD hath a controversy <7379> with his people, and he will plead <3198> with Israel.

• The LORD is the complainant against the sons of Israel. – “controversy” 7379 riyb; n m AV - cause 24, strife 16,

controversy 13, contention 2, misc 7; 62– This “clause” of God with Israel carries the idea of

“reprove,” as verified by the Hebrew word “yakach” being usually translated “reprove” or “rebuke”.

• “plead” 3198 “yakach” AV - reprove 23, rebuke 12, correct 3, plead 3, reason 2, chasten 2, misc 14; 59

Who is the defendant?• Defendant = the sons of Israel with the focus

Jerusalem for the Assyrians had taken the rest captive.• Micah 6:3 O my people, what have I done unto

thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.

• God here begins His case with three pointed questions:– What have I done to you?– How have I wearied you?– Make your defense if you can!

The sons of Israel couldn’t make a defense for God had done everything for them.

Micah 6:4 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. 5 O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the LORD.

• God uses the Exodus to support His case:– He had brought them out of Egypt– He had redeemed out of the house of bondage– He had sent Moses, Aaron and Miriam to lead them– He had turned Balaam’s curses into a blessing– He had brought them from Shittim across the Jordan to Gilgal a new

beginning. In all God acted in mercy and given them every opportunity to know Him.

The spokesman was Hezekiah who makes no defense but humbly makes a sincere enquire for the

best way back.Micah 6:6 Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself

before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

• Judah had not only followed the sins of Ahab and the ten tribes but also had deceived themselves having kept the ritual of the law.

• All offerings were useless at this point however Hezekiah found a way back.

Micah 6:8 He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

• The N.T. confirms justice, and mercy and adds faith for with the work of Jesus came justification.– Mt.23:23 Woe unto you, … and have omitted the

weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: …”

– Romans3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Micah 6:9 The LORD'S voice crieth unto the city (Jerusalem) and the man of wisdom shall see (know) thy name: hear ye the rod, (4294) and who (God) hath appointed it.

• “rod” 4294 “matteh” staff [a correcting instrument]. God’s judgment using the Assyrian/Babylonian/Goggian/Christ rod Isa.10:5,24; Mic.7:14. The “rod” of correction varies through time.10 Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable? 11 Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights? 12 For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.

• The homes of the wicked were full of ill-gotten riches• People were cheating in business• The rich used the club of violence• Jerusalem was full of lying, deceit and violence

Micah 6:13 Therefore also will I make thee sick [weak] in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins. 14 Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied; and thy casting down shall be in the midst of thee; and thou shalt take hold [with thine arms], but shalt not deliver; and that which thou deliverest will I give up to the sword.

• Judah unfortunately adopted the sins of Israel for many of Israel had fled to Judah because of the Assyrians.

• Judah would try to “take hold” of their children but couldn’t deliver for 20 years later Sennacherib came into Judah and carried over 200 thousand captive, 2Ki.18:13.

Micah 6:15 Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil; and sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine. 16 For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye (Judah) walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye (leaders/Micah/Jesus shall bear the reproach of my people.

• Omri a supporter of Jeroboam (1Ki.16:16-28) and founder of Samaria and Ahab (1Ki.21:25,26) his son added to the idolatry of the calves and promoted the worship of Baal which he and his family practiced; and the same works were now done by the people of Judah therefore they also be led captive.

• The inhabitances of Judah had followed the doctrine of Omri and manifested the works of Ahab. Those who fled Israel to Judah when Shalmaneser invaded had in twenty years corrupted Judah.

• Micah/Jesus “bear the reproach” of their people as seen in the next verse.

Micah7:1 Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grape gleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat: my soul desired the firstripe fruit. 2 The good man <2623> is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.

• (2623 chaciyd {khaw-seed'}; adj AV - saints 19, holy 3, merciful 3, godly 2, good 1, godly man 1, Holy One 1, holy one 1, ungodly + 3808 1; 32.

• The timing here goes well beyond Micah to who cried “woe is me” for even the good man is perished out of the earth.” This pointed to Jesus who is no longer on earth. (cp V.1 NRSV) – Micah 77:1 (NRSV) “there is no first-ripe fig for which I

hunger”. This fits well Mt.21:18-20 when Jesus came looking for fruit on the fig tree (Judah) and found none, being “the good man” .

Micah7:3 That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the princeprince (Harod Mt.2:1)(Harod Mt.2:1) asketh, and the judge judge (Pilate Jn.18:4(Pilate Jn.18:4)) asketh asketh for a reward; and the great great (high)(high) man, man, (Caiaphas) he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.

• Making evil to appear good is how they wrapped it up. This would have many fulfillments but especially to the “good” man seen in v.2.

Micah7:4 The best of them is as a brier: the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen and thy visitation (punishment) cometh; now shall be their perplexity (confusion).

• This especially describes the leadership during This especially describes the leadership during Jesus’ day as seen in v.3.Jesus’ day as seen in v.3.

• Their Their “watchman” = = God’s true prophets true prophets including Jesusincluding Jesus warned what would happen.warned what would happen.

• The context includes Micah’s day, Jesus’ day but The context includes Micah’s day, Jesus’ day but it here moves to the punishment to come in AD 70.it here moves to the punishment to come in AD 70.

Micah7:5 Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom. 6 For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house.

• In times of sever trial this warning especially applied to Micah’s day when Assyrian came, and Jesus’ first and 2nd coming, i.e..– AD 70 -- Deu.28:53 And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine

own body, the flesh of thy sons … in the straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee:

• Jesus also warned in Mt.10:16-18,21,35,36 to beware that a man’s foes shall be his own household. – Matthew10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst

of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men: …

Micah7:7 Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

• Micah exhorts when all human help fails to turn to God Micah exhorts when all human help fails to turn to God with a willingness to suffer and wait for God to answer.with a willingness to suffer and wait for God to answer.

• This same exhortation will in the future be given by Elijah This same exhortation will in the future be given by Elijah who will prepare Israel to accept Jesus, Mal. 3:1.who will prepare Israel to accept Jesus, Mal. 3:1.

• Malachi3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come ….

1. Jesus’ return as a thief Rev.16:15 2. Resurrection & Judgment Dan.12:2 3. Marriage of Christ/saints Rev.19:7 * Elijah preaches to Judah Lk.1:17; Mic.3:1 4. Armageddon Joel 2:1-10; Eze.38 5. Jesus king, Gog buriedJoel2:20; Eze39 6. Gospel preached, Joel 2:23; Rev.14:6 * Elijah to the ten tribes; Mal.4:5; Eze.20:35 7. Spirit gifts given Joel 2:28,29 8. Jesus seen as Antichrist Psa.2:2 * Hour of God’s judgment Rev. 18:10. 9. Great & terrible day Joel 2:31; Mal.4:5 10 Millennium Joel 3:18; Rev.20:4

Points 1-9 = 50 years a Jubilee period (Lev. 25:10); Points 7-8 Points 1-9 = 50 years a Jubilee period (Lev. 25:10); Points 7-8 = 30 years - hour of Judgment (Rev. 18:10); Points 5-9 = 40 = 30 years - hour of Judgment (Rev. 18:10); Points 5-9 = 40

years, Mic. 7:15) years, Mic. 7:15)

10 yrs

10 yrs

30 yrs

Malachi4:1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble (Armageddon = heap of sheaves) : and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness (Jesus) arise with healing in his wings; and ye (Israel) shall go forth, (after the long Gentile night) and grow up as calves of the stall. 3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet (Mic.4:13(Mic.4:13)) in the day (Rev.18:10)(Rev.18:10) that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.

• Micah 4:13 Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: …

• Rev.18:10 … Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Mal.4:4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, (that they would be a special people Ex.19:5) with the statutes and judgments. 5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: – Joel 2:20 But I will remove far off the northern army … 29

And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. 30 And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.

• So “the great and terrible day of the LORD” is after Armageddon in v.1 and after the Holy Spirit is poured out and the work of Elijah with the ten tribes is “before the coming of “the great and dreadful day of the LORD.”

Micah7:8 Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy:O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.

• The immediate enemy v.10 was the Assyrian SennacheribSennacherib whom God delivered Hezekiah from, Isa.37:36.

• The coming enemy is GogGog (Eze.38) whom Jesus will deliver from. This however is after the work of Elijah to the Jews in to the Jews in the landthe land however 2/3 still reject and die, Zec.13:8.

• The ultimate enemy is deathdeath but the LORD shall raise those who have obeyed, repented, wait with patienceobeyed, repented, wait with patience and put their trusttrust in him.

Micah7:9 I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.

• Hezekiah fits this context who pleaded, bearing the sin of his people and then waited with faith for God to execute judgment on the Assyrians.

• And us ? – We too must acknowledge our sin and plead with patience and faith that we “shall behold” Jesus’ righteousness in bringing peace to our troubled world.

Micah7:10 ThenMicah7:10 Then sheshe (Assyria/Gog)(Assyria/Gog) that is that is mine enemymine enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her shall see it, and shame shall cover her (Assyria)(Assyria) which said unto me, which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God?Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall beholdmine eyes shall behold herher: now shall she : now shall she (latter day (latter day Assyria)Assyria) be be trodden downtrodden down as as the mire of the streets. the mire of the streets.

• When God’s name is at stake, When God’s name is at stake, i.e.i.e. 2 Kings19:4 It may be the LORD thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God;

• The Assyrian enemy saw Israel blessed under a recovered The Assyrian enemy saw Israel blessed under a recovered Hezekiah. This types the latter day Assyrian who will come Hezekiah. This types the latter day Assyrian who will come against Israel and see their army destroyed and Israel blessed.against Israel and see their army destroyed and Israel blessed.

• ““Her”Her” is Israel which has been “ is Israel which has been “trodden down”trodden down” until until “in “in that day”that day” - v.11. - v.11.

• Micah7:11 In the day that thy walls are to be built, in that day shall the decree be far removed. 12 In that day also he shall come even to thee from Assyria, and from the fortified (4693“matsor” a name for Egypt) cities and from the fortress (4693 “matsor”).

• “even to the river” (Euphrates), and from sea to sea, and from mountain to mountain (whole earth).

• ““In the day”In the day” when the promises to Abraham come to pass and when the promises to Abraham come to pass and Jesus is king in Jerusalem (Gen.13:15; Jer.3:17; Jesus is king in Jerusalem (Gen.13:15; Jer.3:17; Amos 9:11Amos 9:11).).– Amos 9:11 In that dayIn that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David

that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:

• Israel would be protected and her Israel would be protected and her boundaries extendedboundaries extended and there and there would be a highway from Egypt to Assyria and Israel a blessing, would be a highway from Egypt to Assyria and Israel a blessing, (Isa.19:23-25).(Isa.19:23-25).

Micah7:13 Notwithstanding the land (NRSV, NIV = “earth”- not Israel)“earth”- not Israel) shall be desolate because of them that dwell therein, for the fruit of their doings.

• Context, vs.11,12 “in that day” when Jesus returns, the “earth” will reap God’s judgment while Israel is built including the ten tribes being first brought into Bashon and Gileed and then led by Jesus (“the breaker”) into the promised land, Mic.2:12,13.

Micah7:14 Feed thy people with thy

rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily in the wood, in the midst of Carmel: let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.

• This is Mic.2:13,14 which described the ten tribes who are brought back to Israel,, after Armageddon but before Babylon the Great falls, Eze.20:33-38.

• The “rod” (Eze.20:37) is the Great Shepherd’s staff which they will be used to bring them under the new covenant, Jer.31:31.

• “Carmel” – Rotherham translates as “fruitful field” and “Bashan and Gilead” are regions E. of the Jordan and N. of Arnon. It is here the ten tribes will be brought (Eze.20:35) to feed on the spirit word until they come into the bond of the covenant and led over the Jordan .

Ezekiel 20:35 And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face. 37 And I will cause you to pass under the rodrod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant:

Micah7:15 According to the days of thy coming out of the land of Egypt will I show unto him marvelous things.

• The coming out of Egypt took forty years, Acts 7:36. • The “him” include the kings in Psa. 48:4,5 which will see

Ezekiel’s temple and marvel. Unfortunately they have been deceived by a “strong delusion) to receive God’s judgments.– Psalm48:4 For, lo, the kings were assembled, they

passed by together. 5 They saw it, and so they marveled: they were troubled, and hasted away.

Mic.7:16 The nations shall see and be confounded at all their might: they shall lay their hand upon their mouth,

their ears shall be deaf.• God here uses Israel as His battle axe,

Jer. 51:20; Micah 4:13. This will confound the nations. – Micah4:13 Arise and thresh, O

daughter of Zion: … and thou shalt beat in pieces many people:

• This takes place over a 30 year period (Rev.18:10) which the image (Dan.2:34) will fall. This includes the 10 fingers (Psa.83) the 10 toes (Dan.2:42), the city Rome (Rev.18:2) and finally the “beast” and “false prophet” (pope) who will be cast into the “lake of fire”, Rev. 19:20.

1. Jesus’ return as a thief. 2. Resurrection & Judgment 3. Marriage of Christ/saints 4. Armageddon Joel 2:1-10 5. Jesus king, Gog buried, v.20 6. Gospel preached, Joel 2:23. * Ezekiel’s temple built – – Psa.48:5 * 10 tribes brought back – Mic.7:14 7. Spirit gifts given Joel 2:28,29 8. Jesus seen as the Antichrist * Psalm 2:1-3 ; 2Th.2:11 9. Great and terrible day, Mic.7:17 10 Millennium – Psa 72; Joel 3:18Points 1-9 = 50 years a Jubilee period (Lev. 25:10); Points 1-9 = 50 years a Jubilee period (Lev. 25:10);

Points 7-8 = 30 years - hour of Judgment (Rev. Points 7-8 = 30 years - hour of Judgment (Rev. 18:10); 18:10); Points 5-9 = 40 years, Mic. 7:15)Points 5-9 = 40 years, Mic. 7:15)

10 yrs

10 yrs

30 yrs

40 yrs

Micah7:17 They shall lick the dust like a serpent, they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth: they shall be afraid of the LORD our God, and shall fear because of thee (Israel).

• The nations will be troubled Psa.48:5,6 with a strong delusion 2Th.2:11 believing a lie that Jesus who has returned and ruling upon David’s throne, Lk.1:32; Psa.2:6 is the Antichrist.

• Isaiah2:19 And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

Micah7:18 Who is a God like unto thee, Micah7:18 Who is a God like unto thee, that that pardoneth iniquitypardoneth iniquity, and , and passeth by passeth by the transgressionthe transgression of the of the remnantremnant of his of his heritage?heritage? he retaineth not his anger for he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in ever, because he delighteth in mercymercy..

• God’s marvelous plan of salvation though His God’s marvelous plan of salvation though His beloved son opened the way for our beloved son opened the way for our merciful all merciful all righteousrighteous Heavenly Father to Heavenly Father to righteouslyrighteously pardon pardon iniquity and pass over transgression.iniquity and pass over transgression.

• God’s “heritage” includes the “Gentiles” God’s “heritage” includes the “Gentiles” (Gal.3:27-29) however here because of v.14, the (Gal.3:27-29) however here because of v.14, the “remnant”“remnant” of his heritage” of his heritage” is the ten tribes. is the ten tribes.

Micah7:19 He will turn again, he will have Micah7:19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us compassion upon us (Israel);(Israel); he will he will subdue subdue (NIV – (NIV – “hurl”)“hurl”) our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins sins into the depths of the sea.into the depths of the sea.

• Our Heavenly Father has promised He will hurl our sins Our Heavenly Father has promised He will hurl our sins into the depths of the seainto the depths of the sea. The age is coming when Israel . The age is coming when Israel will be the first to repent and finally the whole world, Mic.4; will be the first to repent and finally the whole world, Mic.4; Isa.11; Psa.72. Isa.11; Psa.72. A new world is coming!A new world is coming!

– Hab.2:14 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters

cover the sea.

Micah 7:20 Micah 7:20 Thou wilt perform the Thou wilt perform the truthtruth to Jacob, and the to Jacob, and the mercymercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.fathers from the days of old.

• Deu.7:12 … if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the LORD thy God shall keep unto thee the covenantcovenant and the mercy which he swear unto thy fathers:

• God’s truth was His covenant to the fathers which began with His God’s truth was His covenant to the fathers which began with His mercy to Abraham. This involved the promises to mercy to Abraham. This involved the promises to Abraham,Abraham, Gen.13:15; to Gen.13:15; to IsaacIsaac, Gen.26:3,4; and to , Gen.26:3,4; and to JacobJacob, Gen. 28:13 and to , Gen. 28:13 and to US,US, Gal. 3:27-29Gal. 3:27-29..

• These promises will happen for God hasThese promises will happen for God has ““sworn unto the fathers sworn unto the fathers from the days of old”from the days of old” and books like Micah give us evidence for and books like Micah give us evidence for our faith and keeps us watching for this New World is Coming our faith and keeps us watching for this New World is Coming soon!