ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Micah 1

1:1 Superscription. Rather than being identified by his father or family (compare Joel 1:1; Jonah 1:1), this prophet is identified by a location, “Micah of Moresheth.” Moresheth was about 22 miles (35 km) southwest of Jerusalem. Micah is never referred to as “prophet,” but the source of his power is described as the “Spirit of the Lord” (Mic. 3:8).

Mic. 1:2–2:13 The Announcement of Judgment on Israel and Judah. The first major section describes (1) God’s punishment of Samaria and Judah (1:2–16); (2) abuses and abusers of Yahweh’s land (2:1–11); and (3) God’s promise to gather Jacob (2:12–13).

Mic. 1:2 Hear. This verb marks the beginning of each of the book’s major divisions (1:2; 3:1; 6:1). witness against. The Lord will provide evidence against Samaria (Mal. 3:5).

Mic. 1:3 Yahweh is coming out for battle (compare Isa. 26:21; Zech. 14:3). Canaanite shrines were located on high places (see note on 1 Kings 3:2).

Mic. 1:4 mountains will melt. Compare Ps. 97:5; Nah. 1:5. The undoing of creation forewarns of the undoing of Samaria (Mic. 1:6–7).

Mic. 1:5 Jacob . . . house of Israel. The whole nation will be judged (2:12; 3:1; 8–9).

Mic. 1:6 I will shows the Lord’s intention to act (vv. 7; 15; 2:3; 12; 4:6–7; 13; 5:10–15; 6:14; 7:15). Samaria a heap. A similar fate awaits Jerusalem (3:12). uncover her foundations. The judgment of public shame (compare 4:11; 7:10).

Mic. 1:7 All her carved images . . . wages . . . idols. Yahweh’s judgment will be extensive. fee of a prostitute. The spiritual infidelity of the city is like the actions of a prostitute (compare Judg. 2:17; Ezek. 16:33–36).

Mic. 1:8 go stripped and naked. Wearing sackcloth (Gen. 37:34) and covering one’s head (2 Sam. 15:30) usually signified mourning. This may be a more intense mourning, or else an image of going into exile (compare Isa. 20:3–4). jackals . . . ostriches. Judah is pictured as a land destroyed (Isa. 34:13; Jer. 50:39).

Mic. 1:9 It has reached probably refers to the yet-to-be-identified “disaster” (v. 12).

Mic. 1:10–15 The names of the towns and the words describing the disasters sound alike. Micah uses wordplay to reveal the various disasters Judah will face when its towns are captured by the Assyrians.

Mic. 1:10 Tell it not in Gath. Micah wants to prevent either sympathy or rejoicing from outside observers over the coming destruction (compare 2 Sam. 1:20). Beth-le-aphrah could be translated “House of Dust.” roll yourselves. Those under judgment must give full expression to their grief.

Mic. 1:11 Shaphir sounds like “beautiful” and contrasts with nakedness and shame. Zaanan sounds like the Hebrew for “come out.” In fear, the trembling inhabitants do not come out for battle. Beth-ezel (“House of Taking Away”) expresses lamentation that the village was “taken away,” that is, destroyed.

Mic. 1:12 Maroth conveys the concept of bitterness. Thus, a “bitter” town longs for good. The disaster from Yahweh, who “will come down” (v. 3), has come down to Jerusalem’s gate (compare v. 9).

Mic. 1:13 The Hebrew for steeds sounds like Lachish. Ironically, the people are urged to harness horses to chariots not to fight but to flee.

Mic. 1:14 Moresheth-gath. The name is associated with the phrase “one who is betrothed” (Deut. 22:23). Assyria will receive a dowry (that is, parting gifts), along with the bride (that is, Moresheth-gath). Achzib sounds like “deceitful” (compare Jer. 15:18). The kings of Israel, expecting Achzib to provide revenue, will be deceived.

Mic. 1:15 The Hebrew for conqueror sounds like Mareshah and is often used to describe Israel’s taking of Canaan. Those who formerly conquered the Canaanites will now themselves be conquered. glory of Israel . . . Adullam. David fled to Adullam, where he was pursued by Saul (1 Sam. 22:1; 2 Sam. 23:13). Now David’s descendants likewise flee from a hostile conqueror.