When the Punishment Fits the Crime
Micah 6:9–16


I. God’s Plea to Change (v. 9)
A. God appeals for the people to change lest they be overran and carried into captivity (v.9)
a. Fear the Lord (Prov 1:7; Ps 111:10, Job 1:1)
b. Obey the Covenant Law By Learning and Applying it (Ecc 12:13–14)

II. God’s Proof to Charge (v. 10-12)
A. Their men are guilty of cheating (v. 10)
B. Their merchants are guilty of corruption [Dt 25:13-16] (v. 11)
C. Their mouths are guilty of contempt (v.12)
a. For using the courts to abuse people (v. 12a)
b. For being a people characterized by lies (v. 12b)

III. God’s Punishment to Correct (v. 13-16)
A. God will bring corruption to an end by depriving Israel and Judah of personal resources [cf., Dt 28:45-50] (v.13-15)
B. God tells them why He is bringing this form of punishment and discipline. (v.16)
a. The Dynasty of Kings Omri and Ahab
1. One of the worst dynasties in the Kings of Israel (1 Kings 15:25)
2. They practiced injustice and oppression more than any of the kings.
3. Baalism became an official religion in Israel under this dynasty (1 Kings 16:31)
b. Three Sins that Invite God’s National Judgment:
1. Ingratitude – The Book of Judges reminds us that God will punish a people that decide to go their own way.
2. Idolatry – Chaos, factions, and economic struggles have replaced God’s peace and provision because God has been pushed out of the public square.
3. Indifference – When facing potential judgment, Israel did not even ask, “Where is God?” They assumed God would grant them favor no matter what they did. Believers often form closer relationships with the world than with God, and they seek out preachers who offer empty words of hope that are powerless to transform lives and save souls.

What Should Christians Do?
1. Pray for our local and national leaders. (1 Tim 2:1-2)
2. Become biblically informed about the issues at stake in the public square and make your decisions according to the precepts and commands of Scripture. This is the Christian’s foundation and hope for a nation. (Prov 29:2)
3. Become active in the process of public service or support those who do with your voice and vote. (Ps 37:23-25)



Walter Kaiser, “Micah 6 Commentary,” Online Accessed 9/29/22. https://www.preceptaustin.org/micah_6_commentary
Kenneth L. Barker, “Micah 6 Commentary,” Online Accessed 9/29/22. https://www.preceptaustin.org/micah_6_commentary
James E. Smith, The Minor Prophets, Old Testament Survey Series (Joplin: College Press, 1994), 349.
Walter C. Kaiser and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, vol. 23, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1992), 74.
Charles Spurgeon, “Micah 6 Commentary,” Online. Accessed 9/30/33. https://www.preceptaustin.org/micah_6_commentary
David Jeremiah, “Why Isn’t America in Bible Prophecy?,” Online. Accessed 10/01/22. https://davidjeremiah.blog/why-isnt-america-in-bible-prophecy/
Thomas Macaulay, “Macaulay on Democracy: Curious Letter from Lord Macaulay on American Institutions and Prospects.,” Online. Accessed April 20, 2021. https://www.nytimes.com/1860/03/24/archives/macaulay-on-democracy-curious-letter-from-lord-macaulay-on-american.html