Micah 6

This does not mean that people are saved by doing good works; people are saved only by God’s GRACE through FAITH (Ephesians 2:8–9). Micah’s words here are addressed to God’s covenant people;²¹ they have already been saved. But once saved, once chosen, God’s people are then expected to do good works (Ephesians 2:10).

Israel’s Guilt and Punishment (6:9–16)

9–16 In these verses God gives the details of His case against Israel. In verse 9, Micah tells the people of the city (probably Jerusalem, the religious center of the nation) to listen, and to heed the rod of DISCIPLINE and the Lord who appointed it. In an aside to God, Micah adds that to fear His name—God Himself—is the essence of wisdom (see Proverbs 9:10).

In verses 10–12, God says He will not forget or overlook Israel’s sins of dishonesty, greed and injustice.²²

In verses 13–15, God announces the punishment He will inflict on the Israelites. God had long ago warned the Israelites that such a punishment would come upon them if they disobeyed His covenant (see Leviticus 26:16,26). The people’s disobedience had increased overall since Solomon’s death, though there were a few short periods of revival in Judah. The people had followed the examples of omri and Ahab (verse 16), two of the most evil kings in Israel's history (1 Kings 16:25,30).

Therefore, the verdict is in: the Israelites are guilty of the charges brought against them by God. Israel’s punishment is now certain.