New International Version “Hear, you mountains, the LORD’s accusation; listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against his people; he is lodging a charge against Israel. New Living Translation And now, O mountains, listen to the LORD’s complaint! He has a case against his people. He will bring charges against Israel. English Standard Version Hear, you mountains, the indictment of the LORD, and you enduring foundations of the earth, for the LORD has an indictment against his people, and he will contend with Israel. Berean Standard Bible Hear, O mountains, the LORD’s indictment, you enduring foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against His people, and He will argue it against Israel: Berean Literal Bible Hear, O mountains, the dispute of YHWH, and you enduring foundations of the earth, for a dispute is unto YHWH against His people, and He will argue against Israel. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Hear, O you mountains, the LORD’s complaint, And you strong foundations of the earth; For the LORD has a complaint against His people, And He will contend with Israel. New American Standard Bible “Listen, you mountains, to the indictment by the LORD, And you enduring foundations of the earth, Because the LORD has a case against His people; And He will dispute with Israel. NASB 1995 “Listen, you mountains, to the indictment of the LORD, And you enduring foundations of the earth, Because the LORD has a case against His people; Even with Israel He will dispute. NASB 1977 “Listen, you mountains, to the indictment of the LORD, And you enduring foundations of the earth, Because the LORD has a case against His people; Even with Israel He will dispute. Legacy Standard Bible Listen, you mountains, to the case of Yahweh, And you enduring foundations of the earth, Because Yahweh has a case against His people; Even with Israel He will reprove. Amplified Bible “Hear, O mountains, the indictment of the LORD, And you enduring foundations of the earth, For the LORD has a case (a legal complaint) against His people, And He will dispute (challenge) Israel. Berean Annotated Bible Hear, O mountains, the LORD’s {YHWH} indictment, you enduring foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against His people, and He will argue it against Israel (he wrestles with God): Christian Standard Bible Listen to the LORD’s lawsuit, you mountains and enduring foundations of the earth, because the LORD has a case against his people, and he will argue it against Israel. Holman Christian Standard Bible Listen to the LORD’s lawsuit, you mountains and enduring foundations of the earth, because the LORD has a case against His people, and He will argue it against Israel. American Standard Version Hear, O ye mountains, Jehovah's controversy, and ye enduring foundations of the earth; for Jehovah hath a controversy with his people, and he will contend with Israel. Contemporary English Version Israel, I am bringing charges against you--I call upon the mountains and the earth's firm foundation to be my witnesses. English Revised Version Hear, O ye mountains, the LORD'S controversy, and ye enduring foundations of the earth: for the LORD hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel. GOD'S WORD® Translation Listen to the LORD's lawsuit, you mountains. Listen, you strong foundations of the earth. The LORD has filed a lawsuit against his people. He is arguing his case against Israel. Good News Translation You mountains, you everlasting foundations of the earth, listen to the LORD's case! The LORD has a case against his people. He is going to bring an accusation against Israel. International Standard Version Listen, you mountains, to the LORD's argument! Listen, you strong foundations of the earth, because the LORD has a dispute with his people, and he will set out his case before Israel. NET Bible Hear the LORD's accusation, you mountains, you enduring foundations of the earth! For the LORD has a case against his people; he has a dispute with Israel! New Heart English Bible Hear, you mountains, the LORD's controversy, and you enduring foundations of the earth; for the LORD has a controversy with his people, and he will contend with Israel. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHear, O mountains, the LORD’s indictment, you enduring foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against His people, and He will argue it against Israel: World English Bible Hear, you mountains, Yahweh’s indictment, and you enduring foundations of the earth; for Yahweh has a case against his people, and he will contend with Israel. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHear, O mountains, the strife of YHWH, "" You strong ones—foundations of earth! For a strife [is] to YHWH, with His people, "" And with Israel He reasons. Berean Literal Bible Hear, O mountains, the dispute of YHWH, and you enduring foundations of the earth, for a dispute is unto YHWH against His people, and He will argue against Israel. Young's Literal Translation Hear, O mountains, the strife of Jehovah, Ye strong ones -- foundations of earth! For a strife is to Jehovah, with His people, And with Israel He doth reason. Smith's Literal Translation Hear ye mountains the contention of Jehovah, and ye perpetual foundations of the earth: for a contention to Jehovah with his people, and he will dispute with Israel. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleLet the mountains hear the judgment of the Lord, and the strong foundations of the earth: for the Lord will enter into judgment with his people, and he will plead against Israel. Catholic Public Domain Version Let the mountains listen to the judgment of the Lord, and the strong foundations of the earth. For the judgment of the Lord is with his people, and he will enter into judgment with Israel. New American Bible Hear, O mountains, the LORD’s case, pay attention, O foundations of the earth! For the LORD has a case against his people; he enters into trial with Israel. New Revised Standard Version Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the LORD, and you enduring foundations of the earth; for the LORD has a controversy with his people, and he will contend with Israel. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHear, O you mountains, the judgment of the LORD, listen, O you deep foundations of the earth; for the LORD will contend with his people, and he will judge Israel; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Hear, you mountains, the judgment of LORD JEHOVAH, and you depths of the foundations of the Earth, because LORD JEHOVAH judges with his people and he rebukes Israel! OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Hear, O ye mountains, the LORD'S controversy, And ye enduring rocks, the foundations of the earth; For the LORD hath a controversy with His people, And He will plead with Israel. Brenton Septuagint Translation Hear ye, O mountains, the controversy of the Lord, and ye valleys even the foundations of the earth: for the Lord has a controversy with his people, and will plead with Israel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Case Against Israel1Hear now what the LORD says: “Arise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. 2Hear, O mountains, the LORD’s indictment, you enduring foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against His people, and He will argue it against Israel: 3‘My people, what have I done to you? Testify against Me how I have wearied you!… Cross References Hear, O mountains, the LORD’s indictment, Psalm 50:4-6 He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that He may judge His people: / “Gather to Me My saints, who made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.” / And the heavens proclaim His righteousness, for God Himself is Judge. Selah Isaiah 1:2 Listen, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the LORD has spoken: “I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against Me. Deuteronomy 32:1 Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. you enduring foundations of the earth. Psalm 104:5 He set the earth on its foundations, never to be moved. Job 38:4-6 Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. / Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched a measuring line across it? / On what were its foundations set, or who laid its cornerstone, Proverbs 8:29 when He set a boundary for the sea, so that the waters would not surpass His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against His people, Hosea 4:1 Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a case against the people of the land: “There is no truth, no loving devotion, and no knowledge of God in the land! Psalm 50:21 You have done these things, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. But now I rebuke you and accuse you to your face. Jeremiah 25:31 The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth because the LORD brings a charge against the nations. He brings judgment on all mankind and puts the wicked to the sword,’” declares the LORD. and He will argue it against Israel: Amos 3:1-2 Hear this word that the LORD has spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family that I brought up out of the land of Egypt: / “Only you have I known from all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” Jeremiah 2:9 Therefore, I will contend with you again, declares the LORD, and I will bring a case against your children’s children. Isaiah 3:13 The LORD arises to contend; He stands to judge the people. Jeremiah 6:19 Hear, O earth! I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their own schemes, because they have paid no attention to My word and have rejected My instruction. Psalm 50:7 “Hear, O My people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you: I am God, your God. Isaiah 5:3 “And now, O dwellers of Jerusalem and men of Judah, I exhort you to judge between Me and My vineyard. Isaiah 41:1 “Be silent before Me, O islands, and let the peoples renew their strength. Let them come forward and testify; let us together draw near for judgment. Treasury of Scripture Hear you, O mountains, the LORD's controversy, and you strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD has a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel. foundations. Deuteronomy 32:22 For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. 2 Samuel 22:8,16 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth… Psalm 104:5 Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever. a controversy. Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 5:3 And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. Isaiah 43:26 Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified. Jump to Previous Accusation Bases Case Cause Charge Contend Controversy Dispute Ear Earth Enduring Everlasting Foundations Hear Indictment Israel Jehovah's LORD's Mountains Note Plead Rocks Strife Strong UnchangingJump to Next Accusation Bases Case Cause Charge Contend Controversy Dispute Ear Earth Enduring Everlasting Foundations Hear Indictment Israel Jehovah's LORD's Mountains Note Plead Rocks Strife Strong UnchangingMicah 6 1. God's punishment for ingratitude;6. for ignorance, 10. for injustice; 16. and for idolatry. Hear, O mountains, the LORD’s indictment, Micah portrays the Lord convening a covenant lawsuit before the oldest and most stable features of creation. Mountains had stood through Israel’s history—from the giving of the law at Sinai to the occupation of the land—and they serve as fitting witnesses to the nation’s repeated covenant unfaithfulness. The summons reveals the gravity of sin before the Creator, whose authority extends over all He has made. Psa 50:4-6 He summons the heavens above, and the earth,… you enduring foundations of the earth. The foundations of the earth represent the permanence and order established by God. Creation itself testifies to His faithfulness and power, while Israel’s rebellion exposes the instability of hearts that turn from Him. Psalm 19 likewise declares that the heavens continually proclaim God’s glory. The created order stands as a witness that the Lord’s standards are righteous and His covenant dealings are true. Psa 104:5 He set the earth on its foundations, never to be moved. For the LORD has a case against His people, The Lord’s charge arises from Israel’s violation of the covenant given through Moses. He had redeemed them from Egypt, provided for them, and brought them into the promised land, yet they had embraced idolatry, injustice, and empty religious observance. Deuteronomy had warned that covenant rebellion would bring judgment, but God’s indictment is not arbitrary; it rests on His holy character and on the obligations Israel willingly accepted as His people. Hos 4:1 Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel,… and He will argue it against Israel: Israel’s privileged calling did not exempt the nation from accountability. The Lord acts as the righteous Judge who sets forth the evidence of their sin, yet His purpose includes calling His people back to faithful repentance. Micah’s courtroom imagery prepares for the Lord’s later appeal: He requires justice, mercy, and humble fellowship with Him. Amo 3:1-2 Hear this word that the LORD has spoken against you,… Persons / Places / Events 1. MicahA prophet in the 8th century BC, Micah delivered messages from God to the people of Israel and Judah, calling them to repentance and warning them of impending judgment. 2. Mountains and Foundations of the Earth Symbolic witnesses in the divine courtroom, representing the enduring and unchanging nature of God's creation, which stands as a testament to His covenant with Israel. 3. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who is bringing a legal case against His people for their unfaithfulness and injustice. 4. Israel The chosen people of God, who are being called to account for their actions and failure to uphold the covenant. 5. Indictment A formal accusation or charge brought by God against Israel, highlighting their moral and spiritual failures. Teaching Points God's Covenant FaithfulnessGod remains faithful to His covenant, even when His people are not. This calls us to reflect on our own faithfulness to God and His commands. The Seriousness of Sin Sin is not just a personal failing but a breach of covenant with God. Recognizing the gravity of sin should lead us to repentance and a renewed commitment to righteousness. The Role of Creation as Witness Creation itself testifies to God's eternal nature and His expectations for humanity. We should live in a way that honors both God and His creation. Divine Justice and Mercy While God brings charges against His people, His ultimate desire is for repentance and restoration. We should seek God's mercy and strive to align our lives with His will. Accountability Before God Just as Israel was held accountable, we too will stand before God. This should inspire us to live with integrity and purpose, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Micah 6:2?2. How does Micah 6:2 emphasize God's authority in addressing His people? 3. What does "the LORD has a case against His people" reveal about divine justice? 4. How can we apply Micah 6:2 to our personal accountability before God? 5. In what ways does Micah 6:2 connect to themes of covenant in Scripture? 6. How does understanding Micah 6:2 influence our response to God's expectations today? 7. What is the historical context of Micah 6:2? 8. How does Micah 6:2 challenge our understanding of justice? 9. What does Micah 6:2 reveal about God's expectations for His people? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Micah 6? What Does Micah 6:2 Mean Hear, O mountains“Hear, O mountains…” (Micah 6:2a) • The prophet summons creation itself to listen. This echoes Moses’ call, “Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak” (Deuteronomy 32:1), and Isaiah’s, “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth” (Isaiah 1:2). • By addressing the mountains—ancient, immovable sentinels—God highlights how serious the coming words are. If stubborn rocks must listen, God’s people surely must. • Psalm 50:4 pictures God similarly calling creation to witness His judgment, underscoring that nothing is hidden from Him. the LORD’s indictment “…the LORD’s indictment…” (Micah 6:2a) • Indictment pictures a legal charge. Isaiah 3:13 says, “The LORD takes His place in court.” Hosea 4:1 declares, “The LORD has a case against the inhabitants of the land.” • God is Judge, Plaintiff, and Witness, yet perfectly righteous (Psalm 96:13). His charges are never exaggerated or unjust. you enduring foundations of the earth “…you enduring foundations of the earth.” (Micah 6:2a) • Mountains and foundations outlast generations, so their testimony is reliable. Psalm 104:5 notes God “established the earth on its foundations.” • Their permanence contrasts with Israel’s fleeting faithfulness (Psalm 78:37). What endures recognizes the stability of God’s moral order. For the LORD has a case against His people “For the LORD has a case against His people…” (Micah 6:2b) • “His people” reminds us of covenant relationship. Deuteronomy 31:20-21 warned that God would confront Israel if they turned away. • Amos 3:2 adds, “You only have I known…; therefore I will punish you.” Greater privilege brings greater accountability (Luke 12:48). • Jeremiah 2:9 echoes, “I will contend with you.” God’s case flows from love that refuses to let sin go unchecked. and He will argue it against Israel “…and He will argue it against Israel.” (Micah 6:2b) • God “argues” not to lose but to lay out evidence, inviting repentance. Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, let us reason together,” shows His heart. • Hosea 12:2 says, “The LORD also has a charge against Judah and will punish Jacob according to his ways.” • In Malachi 3:5, the Lord testifies “swiftly against” injustice. His courtroom is active, not symbolic; verdicts lead to real consequences—and, for the repentant, real restoration. summary Micah 6:2 pictures a cosmic courtroom. The unchanging mountains are summoned, the eternal Judge brings His airtight case, and covenant-breaking Israel stands accused. God’s charge is righteous, His witnesses reliable, and His purpose redemptive: exposing sin so His people can return to covenant faithfulness. Verse 2. - Hear ye, O mountains. Insensate nature is called upon as a witness. (For similar appeals, comp. Deuteronomy 4:26; Deuteronomy 32:1; Isaiah 1:2; Jeremiah 22:29.) The Lord's controversy. So God calls his pleading with his people to show them their sin and thankless unbelief; as he says in Isaiah 1:18, "Come, and let us reason together" (comp. Hosea 4:1; Hosea 12:2). Ye strong (enduring) foundations of the earth. The mountains are called everlasting (Genesis 49:26; Deuteronomy 33:15), as being firm, unchangeable, and as compared with man's life and doings, which are but transitory. The LXX. offers an interpretation as well as a translation, Αἱ φάραγγες θεμέλια τῆς γῆς, "Ye valleys, the foundations of the earth." With his people. It is because Israel is God's people that her sin is so heinous, and that God condescends to plead with her. He would thus touch her conscience by recalling his benefits. So in the following verses.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Hear,שִׁמְע֤וּ (šim·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently O mountains, הָרִים֙ (hā·rîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country the LORD's יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3069: YHWH indictment, רִ֣יב (rîḇ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7379: Strife, dispute you enduring וְהָאֵתָנִ֖ים (wə·hā·’ê·ṯā·nîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 386: Perennial, ever-flowing, permanence foundations מֹ֣סְדֵי (mō·sə·ḏê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 4146: A foundation of the earth. אָ֑רֶץ (’ā·reṣ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land For כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the LORD לַֽיהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3069: YHWH has a case רִ֤יב (rîḇ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7379: Strife, dispute against עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with His people, עַמּ֔וֹ (‘am·mōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock and He will argue יִתְוַכָּֽח׃ (yiṯ·wak·kāḥ) Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3198: To be right, reciprocal, to argue, to decide, justify, convict it against וְעִם־ (wə·‘im-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with Israel. יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc Additonal Resources Micah 6:2 Blue Letter BibleMicah 6:2 Bible Gateway Micah 6:2 Bible.com Micah 6:2 NIV |
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