Mic 6:6-7 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 6. Wherewith shall I come before the Lord ] Now the people, as defendants, appear; but instead of vindicating themselves, or attempting to dispute what has been alleged against them, they seem at once to plead guilty ; and now anxiously inquire how they shall appease the wrath of the Judge, how they shall make atonement for the sins already committed. Bow myself before the high God ] They wish to pray, and to make supplication to their Judge; but how shall they come before him? They have no right to come into his presence. Some offering must be brought; but of what kind , or of what value ? Their sin is unprecedented, and usual methods of access will not avail. They are distracted in their minds, and make a variety of proposals to themselves, some rational , some absurd and impossible , and some even sinful . Shall I come before him with burnt-offerings ] This is reasonable , and according to the law ; but this will be insufficient.

‏ Micah 6:6-7

Verse 6. Wherewith shall I come before the Lord] Now the people, as defendants, appear; but instead of vindicating themselves, or attempting to dispute what has been alleged against them, they seem at once to plead guilty; and now anxiously inquire how they shall appease the wrath of the Judge, how they shall make atonement for the sins already committed.

Bow myself before the high God] They wish to pray, and to make supplication to their Judge; but how shall they come before him? They have no right to come into his presence. Some offering must be brought; but of what kind, or of what value? Their sin is unprecedented, and usual methods of access will not avail. They are distracted in their minds, and make a variety of proposals to themselves, some rational, some absurd and impossible, and some even sinful.

Shall I come before him with burnt-offerings] This is reasonable, and according to the law; but this will be insufficient.

Verse 7. Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams] These might be procured, though with difficulty; but conscience says neither will these do.

With ten thousands of rivers of oil] This is absurd and impossible; but could even these be procured, could they all make atonement for such guilt, and ingratitude, and rebellion?

Shall I give my first-born for my transgression] This was sinful and wicked; but such offerings had been made by the Phoenicians, and their successors the Carthaginians; and this very custom was copied by the corrupt Israelites. See some cases of such offerings, 2Ki 3:27; Le 20:27.

The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?] This clause is an explanation of the former. Shall I make the first-born, the best and goodliest of my children, chattath, a SIN-OFFERING for my soul? And thus the original is used in a multitude of places.

When they had put all these questions to their reason and conscience, they found no satisfaction; their distraction is increased, and despair is about to take place, when Jehovah, the plaintiff, in his mercy interposes: