1. Remember God's grace and mercy (1-5)

The prophet calls on Israel to review her history and remember God's grace. He redeemed her from slavery in Egypt; he provided a shepherd for her in the wilderness; he turned Balaam's curse on her into a blessing (Nu 22-24); he led her across the Jordan into the Promised Land (from Shittim to Gilgal). We must have a sense of history; we must remember God's grace.

2. What does the Lord require? (6-8)

God does not ask impossible sacrifices of his people. He does not want superficial worship, either. He requires of men that they act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with him.

3. Israel's guilt; God's punishment (9-16)

Baal worship had been widely practiced in Northern Israel since the time of Omri and his daughter-in-law, Jezebel. God punished his people so that they might repent.

Application: Lord, help me to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you today.
One Word: Walk humbly with our God