Micah 6:16

Authorized King James Version

For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְיִשְׁתַּמֵּ֞ר

H8104

are kept

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

חֻקּ֣וֹת

H2708

For the statutes

a statute

עָמְרִ֗י

H6018

of Omri

omri, an israelite

וְכֹל֙

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה

H4639

and all the works

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

בֵית

H1004

of the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אַחְאָ֔ב

H256

of Ahab

achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon

וַתֵּלְכ֖וּ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּמֹֽעֲצוֹתָ֑ם

H4156

in their counsels

a purpose

#10

לְמַעַן֩

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#11

תִּתִּ֨י

H5414

that I should make

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#12

אֹתְךָ֜

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

לְשַׁמָּ֗ה

H8047

thee a desolation

ruin; by implication, consternation

#14

וְיֹשְׁבֶ֙יהָ֙

H3427

and the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#15

לִשְׁרֵקָ֔ה

H8322

thereof an hissing

a derision

#16

וְחֶרְפַּ֥ת

H2781

the reproach

contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

#17

עַמִּ֖י

H5971

of my people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#18

תִּשָּֽׂאוּ׃

H5375

therefore ye shall bear

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?