Mic 6:6-8 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Mic 6:6-7: 6:6-7 Israel’s case was hopeless, but they queried the Lord as to how they could placate or please him. The proffered items are listed in a crescendo of significance, from calves to rams and olive oil to firstborn children . None of this was sufficient or acceptable to God, who judges the heart (1 Sam 15:22 ; 16:7 ; Jer 17:9 ).

a6:6-7►

b1 Sam 15:22►

c16:7►

dJer 17:9►

e6:8►

fGen 1►

gExod 33:19►

h34:6-7►

iDeut 12:28►

jPs 136►

kGen 21:22-24►

lJosh 2:12-14►

mMatt 5:43-48►

nDeut 28:9►

oJosh 22:5►

‏ Micah 6:6-8

Summary for Mic 6:6-7: 6:6-7 ^a Israel’s case was hopeless, but they queried the Lord as to how they could placate or please him. The proffered items are listed in a crescendo of significance, from calves to rams and olive oil to firstborn children. None of this was sufficient or acceptable to God, who judges the heart (1 Sam 15:22 ^b; 16:7 ^c; Jer 17:9 ^d).
6:8 ^e Good means what is right in God’s eyes; God is the source of all goodness (Gen 1 ^f; Exod 33:19 ^g; 34:6-7 ^h; Deut 12:28 ⁱ).

• what is right (Hebrew mishpat, often translated “justice”): God’s order in the world requires treatment of others in fair, non-manipulative, non-oppressive ways.

• mercy (Hebrew khesed): This passionate, undeserved loyalty is the defining quality in God’s holy character (see Ps 136 ^j). Those who know God will act in the same way toward others (see Gen 21:22-24 ^k; Josh 2:12-14 ^l; Matt 5:43-48 ^m).

• walk humbly: Humility must characterize God’s people. They must not live in a spirit of arrogance or special privilege. They must be humble and reverently fear God. Mishpat and khesed are incompatible with human arrogance. God desires us to be in an ongoing intimate relationship with him (a “walk”; cp. Deut 28:9 ⁿ; Josh 22:5 ^o) that transforms the way we relate to other people.