Micah 6:16
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.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Omri established Samaria as Israel's capital, creating a power center for apostasy. Ahab's marriage to Jezebel brought institutionalized Baal worship (1 Kings 16:31-33). Their influence persisted generations: 2 Kings 8:18 says Judah's King Jehoram "walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab" because he married Ahab's daughter Athaliah. She later seized Judah's throne, attempting to exterminate David's line (2 Kings 11:1-3). Omri and Ahab's legacy poisoned both kingdoms. Micah warned Judah not to follow this path, but they ignored him. Jesus similarly warned: "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees" (Matthew 16:6)—false teaching spreads, corrupting entire communities. Vigilance against ungodly counsel remains imperative.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern "statutes of Omri" (cultural values, leadership philosophies, ethical compromises) tempt you to adopt worldly counsel rather than biblical truth?
- How can you discern when you're "walking in the counsel of the ungodly" versus engaging culture for gospel witness?
- What steps can you take to ensure you're following godly counsel (from Scripture, mature believers, Spirit's leading) rather than conforming to worldly wisdom?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels. God identifies the root cause: emulating wicked kings. "The statutes of Omri" (חֻקּוֹת עָמְרִי, chukkot Omri) refers to policies established by King Omri (885-874 BC), who "wrought evil in the eyes of the LORD, and did worse than all that were before him" (1 Kings 16:25). His son Ahab married Jezebel, importing Baal worship and murdering Naboth for his vineyard (1 Kings 21). "The works of the house of Ahab" (מַעֲשֵׂה בֵית־אַחְאָב, ma'aseh beit-Ach'av) include idolatry, injustice, and violence. Judah adopted Northern Kingdom's apostasy.
"Ye walk in their counsels" (וַתֵּלְכוּ בְּמוֹעֲצוֹתָם, vattelkhu be-mo'atzotam)—counsel (mo'etzah) means advice, plan, policy. Judah imitated Omri and Ahab's wicked leadership. Psalm 1:1 pronounces blessing on those who don't "walk in the counsel of the ungodly." Conversely, adopting evil counsel brings curse. "That I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people." The result: Judah becomes a byword, object of scorn among nations. Sheremah (desolation) and sherekah (hissing/mocking) describe shameful ruin.
Why such severe judgment? Because imitating wicked leadership compounds apostasy. Leaders set cultural norms; when kings promoted Baal worship and economic injustice, society followed. Today, Christians face similar temptation: adopting worldly values, following ungodly influencers, prioritizing cultural acceptance over biblical fidelity. Second Corinthians 6:14-17 commands: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers...Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord." Believers must resist conformity to wicked counsel, regardless of cultural pressure.