The answer is: Blood

Micah 3:10 - A very unstable foundation. God will destroy it (v12) and raise it up again (ch 4)

Micah presents quite the sobering image in Micah 3:10 when he points out how the people of Zion are building their city with "blood." This graphic metaphor signifies that unjust actions, corruption, and moral failures lay at the heart of what appears to be a thriving community. It reminds us of the importance of foundational principles—not just in a physical sense but morally and spiritually too.

In verse 12, where Micah foretells destruction as a consequence of these wrongful acts, there's a tragedy begging for redemption. It's striking how this reflects a theme throughout Scripture, where God often calls for repentance before restoration. Think of the later prophets, like Jeremiah and his lamentation over Jerusalem, or Isaiah with its transformations that wed justice and peace.

Interestingly, Micah follows with that glimmer of hope in chapter 4, showing God’s faithfulness to restore. Just as the phoenix rises from the ashes, the notion of rebuilding implies a new opportunity for the people to turn back to a more righteous path.

Moreover, Micah's message echoes throughout history as people seek to rebuild with integrity and learn from mistakes. So, when we remember Biblical accounts like the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, we see how crucial it is to align our efforts with justice rather than cost. Let's draw on these lessons as we navigate our own landscapes today!