The Case against Israel

Hear now what the LORD says:

“ Arise, plead your case before the mountains,

and let the hills hear your voice.

2 

Hear, O mountains, the LORD’s indictment

you enduring foundations of the earth.

For the LORD has a case against His people,

and He will argue it against Israel:

3 

‘My people, what have I done to you?

Testify against Me how I have wearied you!

4 

For I brought you up from the land of Egypt

and redeemed you from the house of slavery.

I sent Moses before you,

as well as Aaron and Miriam.

5 

My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled

and what Balaam son of Beor answered

Remember [your journey] from Shittim[fn] to Gilgal,

so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’ ”

6 

With what shall I come before the LORD

when I bow before the God on high?

Should I come to Him with burnt offerings,

with year-old calves?

7 

Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,

with ten thousand rivers of oil?

Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression,

the fruit of my body [for] the sin of my soul?

8 

He has shown you, O man, what [is] good.

And what does the LORD require of you

but to act justly, to love mercy,

and to walk humbly with your God?

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