Micah 6:9
The voice of the LORD calls out to the city (and it is sound wisdom to fear Your name): “Heed the rod and the One who ordained it.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The LORD addresses the inhabitants of a city, speaking immediately after defining the moral requirements of justice, mercy, and humility. This declaration functions as a direct summons following the exposure of covenant failure.
The words — קֹל (Kol) literally means the voice or sound, while שׁמְעוּ (shim‘u) is the imperative to hear or heed. These terms anchor the passage in a direct auditory command rather than a written decree.
The thread — The connection between divine correction and repentance appears in Revelation 3:19, which states that those the LORD loves are disciplined. Isaiah 30:27 similarly describes the LORD’s approach as the manifestation of His name bringing fury and judgment.
Why it lands — The text commands attention to both the instrument of correction and its author, requiring reverence before the One who ordains it. It demands that the reader accept divine discipline as the necessary response to the exposure of wickedness.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
The Lord’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.
Cross-references
- Hosea 14:9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them.
- Revelation 3:19 Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.
- Isaiah 30:27 Behold, the Name of the LORD comes from afar, with burning anger and dense smoke. His lips are full of fury, and His tongue is like a consuming fire.
- Zephaniah 3:2 She heeded no voice; she accepted no correction. She does not trust in the LORD; she has not drawn near to her God.
- Exodus 34:5 And the LORD descended in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed His name, the LORD.
- 2 Samuel 21:1 During the reign of David there was a famine for three successive years, and David sought the face of the LORD. And the LORD said, “It is because of the blood shed by Saul and his family, because he killed the Gibeonites.”
- 2 Kings 22:11 When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes
- Job 5:6 For distress does not spring from the dust, and trouble does not sprout from the ground.
- Job 5:17 Blessed indeed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.
- Job 10:2 I will say to God: Do not condemn me! Let me know why You prosecute me.