Micah 6:1-9

Now listen to what YAHWEH says: “Stand up and state your case. The mountains will be your witnesses, so let the hills hear your defense. Listen, mountains, to YAHWEH’s accusation; pay attention, you enduring foundations of the earth, for I, YAHWEH, have an indictment against my people, and I will prosecute my case against Israel. My people, what have I done to deserve your neglect? How have I made you tired of me? Answer me! Did I not rescue you from Egypt and ransom you from slavery? I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to lead you. Please remember this, my people: King Balak of Moab planned to curse you, and how did the prophet Balaam son of Beor answer him? He spoke YAHWEH’s blessing over you! Remember how I parted the Jordan so that you could cross over from Acacia to Gilgal. Now you should know through all my saving acts that I have treated you fairly.” What should I bring when I enter YAHWEH’s presence and bow down before God Most High? Should I approach him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves to sacrifice? Will he be pleased with thousands of rams and with endless streams of olive oil? Should I offer him my firstborn for my wrongdoing, my own offspring for the sins of my life? No! Listen, O Adam’s offspring, YAHWEH has made it plain to you what is best. He has shown you what he really is longing for from you— only to promote justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God. YAHWEH YAHWEH’s voice is calling out to the city. Wise is the one who fears the name of YAHWEH. “So pay attention, O tribe, to the one who called you together!