Micah 6:6 - Exposition

It is greatly doubted who is the speaker here. Bishop Butler, in his sermon "Upon the Character of Balaam," adopts the view that Balak is the speaker of Micah 6:6 and Micah 6:7 , and Balaam answers in Micah 6:8 . Knabenbauer considers Micah himself as the interlocutor, speaking in the character of the people; which makes the apparent change of persons in verse 8 very awkward. Most commentators, ancient and modern, take the questions in verses 6 and 7 to be asked by the people personified, though they are not agreed as to the spirit from which they proceed, some thinking that they are uttered in self-righteousness, as if the speakers had done all that and more than could be required of them; others regarding the inquiries as representing a certain acknowledgment of sin and a desire for means of propitiation, though there is exhibited a want of appreciation of the nature of God and of the service which alone is acceptable to him. The latter view is most reasonable, and in accordance with Micah's manner. Wherewith ; i.e. with what offering? The prophet represents the congregation as asking him to tell them how to propitiate the offended Lord, and obtain his favour. Come before; go to meet, appear in the presence of the Lord. Septuagint, καταλάβω , "attain to." Bow myself before the high God; literally, God of the height, who has his throne on high ( Isaiah 33:5 ; Isaiah 57:15 ); Vulgate, curvabo genu Deo excelso ; Septuagint, ἀντιλήψομαι θεοῦ μου ὑψίστου , "shall I lay hold of my God most high." Calves of a year old. Such were deemed the choicest victims (comp. Exodus 12:5 ; Le Exodus 9:2 , Exodus 9:3 ).