1 Or “plead your case” (, , ); “present your plea”; “state your case.” Defend yourself. The Lord challenges Israel to defend itself against the charges he is bringing.
2 As in some ancient Near Eastern treaties, the mountains are personified as legal witnesses that will settle the dispute between God and Israel.
3 Heb “let the hills hear your voice.”
4 This verse briefly interrupts the Lord’s statement (see vv. 1, 3) as the prophet summons the mountains as witnesses. Because of this v. 2 has been placed in parentheses in the translation.

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

Hear what the Lord says:

Arise, plead your case before the mountains,

and let the hills hear your voice.

Hear, you mountains, the indictment of the Lord,

and you enduring foundations of the earth,

for the Lord has an indictment against his people,

and he will contend with Israel.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

Listen to what the Lord says:

“Stand up, plead my case before the mountains;

let the hills hear what you have to say.

“Hear, you mountains, the Lord’s accusation;

listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth.

For the Lord has a case against his people;

he is lodging a charge against Israel.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

Now listen to what the Lord is saying:

Rise, plead your case before the mountains,

and let the hills hear your complaint.

Listen to the Lord’s lawsuit,

you mountains and enduring foundations of the earth,

because the Lord has a case against his people,

and he will argue it against Israel.

NLTNew Living Translation

Listen to what the Lord is saying:

“Stand up and state your case against me.

Let the mountains and hills be called to witness your complaints.

And now, O mountains,

listen to the Lord’s complaint!

He has a case against his people.

He will bring charges against Israel.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

Hear now what Yahweh says:

“Arise! Plead your case with the mountains,

and let the hills hear your voice.”

Hear, O mountains, the indictment of Yahweh,

and you eternal foundations of the earth,

for Yahweh has an indictment against his people,

and against Israel he contends.

KJV 1900King James Version

Hear ye now what the Lord saith;

Arise, contend thou before the mountains,

And let the hills hear thy voice.

Hear ye, O mountains, the Lord’s controversy,

And ye strong foundations of the earth:

For the Lord hath a controversy with his people,

And he will plead with Israel.

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