Micah Chapter 6 · Verse 2

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

שִׁמְע֤וּ Hear H8085
שִׁמְע֤וּ Hear
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 1 of 16
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
הָרִים֙ ye O mountains H2022
הָרִים֙ ye O mountains
Strong's: H2022
Word #: 2 of 16
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רִ֤יב controversy H7379
רִ֤יב controversy
Strong's: H7379
Word #: 4 of 16
a contest (personal or legal)
לַֽיהוָה֙ for the LORD H3068
לַֽיהוָה֙ for the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 5 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְהָאֵתָנִ֖ים and ye strong H386
וְהָאֵתָנִ֖ים and ye strong
Strong's: H386
Word #: 6 of 16
permanence; hence (concrete) permanent; specifically a chieftain
מ֣וֹסְדֵי foundations H4146
מ֣וֹסְדֵי foundations
Strong's: H4146
Word #: 7 of 16
a foundation
אָ֑רֶץ of the earth H776
אָ֑רֶץ of the earth
Strong's: H776
Word #: 8 of 16
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
כִּ֣י H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 9 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רִ֤יב controversy H7379
רִ֤יב controversy
Strong's: H7379
Word #: 10 of 16
a contest (personal or legal)
לַֽיהוָה֙ for the LORD H3068
לַֽיהוָה֙ for the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 11 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עִם H5973
עִם
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 12 of 16
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
עַמּ֔וֹ with his people H5971
עַמּ֔וֹ with his people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 13 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְעִם H5973
וְעִם
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 14 of 16
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל with Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל with Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 15 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
יִתְוַכָּֽח׃ and he will plead H3198
יִתְוַכָּֽח׃ and he will plead
Strong's: H3198
Word #: 16 of 16
to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

Analysis & Commentary

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. The repetition "hear ye" emphasizes urgency. "Mountains" and "strong foundations" represent creation's most stable elements. "Controversy" establishes the judicial nature of God's address.

"For the LORD hath a controversy with his people" identifies plaintiff (Yahweh) and defendant (His people). The possessive "his people" intensifies tragedy—these aren't random nations but His chosen, redeemed community. "He will plead" means to present a legal case. God doesn't merely pronounce sentence but reasons with Israel, presenting evidence of their guilt and His righteousness.

This establishes courtroom dynamics: God as prosecutor presents His case before cosmic witnesses against defendants. The legal language emphasizes Israel's rational culpability—they aren't ignorant but willfully rebellious. The lawsuit format demonstrates God's justice—He doesn't capriciously destroy but legally prosecutes based on evidence.

Historical Context

The covenant between Yahweh and Israel contained blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). By Micah's time, rebellion was entrenched—particularly under wicked King Ahaz. The phrase "he will plead" suggests God's patience. Rather than immediately executing judgment, He presents His case, giving opportunity for repentance. This recalls dealings with Cain (Genesis 4:6-7) and Israel in the wilderness (Numbers 14:11-20). Divine patience aims at repentance (2 Peter 3:9), yet persistence in rebellion brings judgment.

Questions for Reflection