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Israel, prepare to meet God in court.

In today’s reading, Yahweh launches a covenant lawsuit against his people. He accuses them of breaking the agreement they accepted at Mount Sinai. The first witnesses called? Mountains standing watch from the foundations of the Earth. Even the stones are crying out.

These solemn sentinels corroborate every piece of evidence with which Yahweh builds his case. The mountains witness God rescue the Israelites from Egypt, turn Balaam’s curse into a blessing, and protect his chosen people through their Jordan River crossing and into the promised land.

As mountains looked on, the Israelites then turned around and used their freedom to oppress their neighbors.

Israel argues back: Objection! Aren’t we doing all the prescribed rituals and religious activities Yahweh wants us to? If Yahweh wants more sacrifices, why don’t we just kill more animals?

But Yahweh can’t be paid off. A whole flock of rams, even an ocean of oil, cannot bribe God or cover up Israel’s injustice. God wants the same thing for Israel that he wanted all along. Yahweh wants the people to bless every family on Earth by displaying his character to the nations. This means choosing a way of life compelled by loyal love, justice, mercy, and humble care for others.

And yet (as we saw in yesterday’s reading), Micah tempers his accusations with trust and hope in God’s promise. Yahweh will one day raise up a king from the insignificant little town of Bethlehem, which means “house of bread” in Hebrew, to nourish and shepherd his people. Under the rule of this good shepherd, the remnant of God’s people will finally fulfill their calling to bless the nations (see Gen. 12:2-3).

This hopeful future will come to pass, guaranteed, not because Israel will finally shape up but because God will make it happen, according to his own power and wisdom. Once God’s disciplinary, justice-restoring work is complete, the final verdict on Israel will be not “condemned” but beloved, forgiven, and restored.

Reflection Questions

• As you read today’s passage, pay attention to the connections Micah draws between corruption of the legal system, economic exploitation, and violence. In your own words, how do you think Micah would describe the values and behaviors of a good and just society?
• What hyperlinks to Genesis 3 do you see in Micah 7:16-20? What hyperlinks do you see to other parts of Genesis? What do you think Micah is communicating about God’s mission and character with these connections?