Micah 6: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Micah 6 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh calls upon the mountains and hills to witness his case against Israel (vv. 1-2). He asks what he has done to burden his people. Yahweh recounts how he rescued them from Egypt and their history with Balak and Balaam (vv. 3-5). The people question how to properly worship Yahweh. They wonder if sacrifices like burnt offerings or oil would satisfy him (vv. 6-7). Yahweh answers them with clear requirements: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (v. 8). He warns the city about its wickedness and the need for honesty (vv. 9-12). Because of their sins, Yahweh will bring consequences like unfulfilled hunger and loss (vv. 13-15). He condemns the idolatry linked to the statutes of Omri and Ahab (v. 16).

Key verse

“He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Micah 6:8 (WEB)

Outline

Micah 6:1–2 Divine Summons to Witnesses
Micah 6:3–5 God's Grievance Against Israel
Micah 6:6–7 Misunderstanding True Worship
Micah 6:8 Requirements of God
Micah 6:9–12 Call to Justice and Integrity
Micah 6:13–15 Consequences of Sin
Micah 6:16 Condemnation of Idolatry

Discussion questions

In v3, what specific questions does God ask His people regarding their burdens?
What does Micah state in v8 that Yahweh requires of His people?
In v7, why does the speaker question whether God would be pleased with sacrifices like 'thousands of rams'?
In v16, what does the reference to 'the statutes of Omri' suggest about Israel's leadership?
How do you understand the call to 'act justly' in your own community?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Micah 6: 1 Samuel 15, Deuteronomy 10, Jeremiah 22.

Before next time: read Micah 7.