Why Did God Complain To His People?

The book of Micah was written to God’s people, the children of Israel in the Northern Kingdom, and of Judah in the Southern Kingdom. It was written to warn them of the coming judgment from God but to also for them to repent. Throughout the book of Micah, the need for peace and justice in emphasized. We will look at a section during the trial of the people.

This is the trial of the people. It is here where Micah pictures a court. God is the judge and lets His people know what He expects of them and recounts every one of the manners in which that they have violated Him and others. Hope is the focus in chapters four and five, while chapters six and seven broadcast judgment and appeal for the people to seek repentance.

In verses one - five:

God has called to the mountains to affirm the people of Israel and Judah’s culpability. The mountains would fill in as phenomenal observers (witnesses). The “high places” is where they had assembled altars to the false gods and made penances to them (1 Kings 14:23; Jeremiah 17:2-3; Ezekiel 20:28). The mountains represent a great kingdom. The hills represent lesser kingdoms. In as such, this applies to the kingdoms all over the world.

The Lord had a controversy with Israel and with Judah. God brought charges against His children for disobedience, idolatry, and sin in their lives. Religious leaders failed in their task to return the people to God. Spiritually and morally, the nation had declined, along with their conduct toward God. So, in a sense, God is a parent scolding His children (Hosea 4:1, Hosea 12:2). If only the people would repent of their wickedness when confronted of their sins. This has been a continual issue throughout the ages. When will we ever learn?

Unfortunately, the people would always be unable to address God’s inquiry, “O my people, what have I done unto thee? And wherein have I wearied thee? Testify against me.” (Micah 6:3) God has always been really tolerant with them. He has always affectionately directed them. And He has given them ample opportunities to repent and return to Him. God has not and will not do anything wrong. Man has failed. If by chance that God were to pose this question any of us today, how might we answer? Has God mistreated any of us or has He left us despondent and destitute? (Jeremiah 2:5, Jeremiah 2:31)

The tale of Balak and Balaam is found in Numbers 22-24. Shitim (Acacia) was the Israelites' camping area east of the Jordan River not long before they entered the Promised Land (Joshua 2:1). It was there that they were given a large number of God's directions about how to live. Gilgal was their first campground subsequent to crossing the Jordan (Joshua 4:19), and it was there where individuals reestablished their agreement with God (Joshua 5:3-9). These two spots address God's caring consideration for the people and His readiness to both safeguard them and to caution them about likely difficulties.

Now during the time of Micah, they had forgotten all that God had provided. The people had continually been short sighted, thankless, and refused to see how blessed they had been, even though God had been kind and merciful. They were self-absorbed and took God for granted. We should always be thankful and remember all the things God has done for us and brought us through. He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5; Exodus 20:1-2; Psalm 77:20; Numbers 22:5-6).

In verses six - ten:

Israel answered God's solicitation by attempting to conciliate Him with penances, trusting that He would then let them be. Yet, penances and other strict ceremonies are not adequate. God needs Changed Lives. He wants His people to be fair, just, lenient, and humble. God needs us to become a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1-2), not just carrying out strict things, yet living properly (Jeremiah 4:4; Hebrews 9:14). It is difficult to follow God reliably without His changing affection in our souls.

Ritualist sacrifices, offerings and traditions do not please God. The people could not understand why God was displeased with them. The people had said that God told them how to perform the rituals and rites, but they did not realize that they were only performing from an outward perspective, not an inward one. All they could think of is that they have not done enough.

The issue is not about generosity from a materialistic or financial viewpoint. It is not about what we have done outwardly but what we do inwardly. They even questioned about sacrificing their children, which God definitely does not condone (Leviticus 1:3, Leviticus 6:9-13, Leviticus 18:21, Leviticus 20:1-5; Isaiah 40:16).

Changed lives, fairness, humbleness, mercifulness, and to be justly is what God wants. We are to be a living sacrifice and to live rightly. A transformed life, a transformed mind, and a transformed heart is what we need. This is not about a works religion, for we cannot work for our salvation, it is a free gift from God. Outward display of doctrine without an inward encounter with God is useless.