subordination to God. The term “man” serves to generalize and universalize the scope of the divine directive. The practice of justice required of Israel, in the mind of Micah and of other prophets, is more than a simple obedience of the social and ritual religious obligations derived from the Law. It implies a commitment and a responsibility for the defense of the poor and the powerless so that they will not be victimized by the more powerful groups of society. The loving-kindness and fidelity of
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