Micah 6:2

Authorized King James Version

Hear ye, O mountains, the LORD'S controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שִׁמְע֤וּ
Hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
הָרִים֙
ye O mountains
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
רִ֤יב
controversy
a contest (personal or legal)
#5
לַֽיהוָה֙
for the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
וְהָאֵתָנִ֖ים
and ye strong
permanence; hence (concrete) permanent; specifically a chieftain
#7
מ֣וֹסְדֵי
foundations
a foundation
#8
אָ֑רֶץ
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
רִ֤יב
controversy
a contest (personal or legal)
#11
לַֽיהוָה֙
for the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#13
עַמּ֔וֹ
with his people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#14
וְעִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#15
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
with Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#16
יִתְוַכָּֽח׃
and he will plead
to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

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 divine sovereignty 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Micah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection