Therefore, send farewell gifts to Moresheth-gath;The term "therefore" indicates a conclusion or consequence based on previous statements. In the context of
Micah 1, the prophet is delivering a message of judgment against the cities of Judah and Israel due to their sins. Moresheth-gath, likely Micah's hometown, is mentioned here. The sending of "farewell gifts" suggests a parting or impending loss, possibly due to impending invasion or exile. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern custom of sending tribute or gifts to appease a conquering power or as a sign of submission. Moresheth-gath's mention highlights the personal nature of the prophecy for Micah, as it involves his own community.
the houses of Achzib will prove deceptive
Achzib, meaning "deception" or "lie," is a town in the Shephelah region of Judah. The phrase "will prove deceptive" plays on the town's name, indicating that it will fail to provide the expected support or refuge. This could refer to the town's inability to withstand the Assyrian invasion or its failure to deliver on promises of protection or alliance. The use of wordplay is common in Hebrew prophecy, emphasizing the futility of relying on human strength or alliances instead of trusting in God.
to the kings of Israel.
The "kings of Israel" here likely refers to the rulers of the Northern Kingdom, although the prophecy is directed at Judah. This could indicate the broader scope of judgment affecting both kingdoms due to their collective unfaithfulness. Historically, the Northern Kingdom had already faced significant threats from Assyria, and its downfall served as a warning to Judah. The mention of Israel's kings underscores the interconnectedness of the two kingdoms and the shared consequences of their actions. This also serves as a reminder of the divided monarchy's failure to uphold the covenant with God, leading to their eventual downfall.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Moresheth GathA town in Judah, known as the hometown of the prophet Micah. It is mentioned here as a place that will experience loss and separation, symbolized by the giving of parting gifts.
2.
AchzibA town in the Shephelah region of Judah. The name "Achzib" means "deceptive" or "lie," which is significant in this context as it represents false security or unfulfilled promises to the kings of Israel.
3.
Kings of IsraelRefers to the rulers of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, who are warned of the deceptive nature of their alliances and the false security they rely upon.
Teaching Points
The Danger of False SecurityJust as Achzib was deceptive to the kings of Israel, we must be cautious of placing our trust in things that offer false security. Our ultimate trust should be in God alone.
The Consequences of UnfaithfulnessThe giving of parting gifts to Moresheth Gath symbolizes loss due to unfaithfulness. We are reminded to remain faithful to God to avoid spiritual and material loss.
The Importance of True AlliancesThe alliances of the kings of Israel proved deceptive. We should seek alliances and relationships that are grounded in truth and righteousness.
God's Sovereignty in JudgmentThe events described in
Micah 1:14 remind us of God's sovereignty and His ability to bring about judgment on nations and individuals who stray from His ways.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Micah 1:14?
2.How does Micah 1:14 illustrate God's judgment on Israel's disobedience?
3.What lessons can we learn from Micah 1:14 about God's expectations for us?
4.How does Micah 1:14 connect with other prophetic warnings in the Old Testament?
5.In what ways can we apply the message of Micah 1:14 today?
6.How does Micah 1:14 encourage us to remain faithful to God's commandments?
7.What historical context surrounds Micah 1:14 and its message to the towns mentioned?
8.How does Micah 1:14 reflect God's judgment on Israel's disobedience?
9.What is the significance of the town names in Micah 1:14?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Micah 1?
11.How does Jesus' life and teachings fulfill God's promise?
12.What was God's purpose in sending Jesus?
13.Micah 1:5 - Why single out Jacob and Israel for punishment in a manner that seems inconsistent with other passages emphasizing broader divine judgment?
14.1 Chronicles 14:8-17 - How do we reconcile any discrepancies between this account of David's battles with the Philistines and the parallel text in 2 Samuel 5?What Does Micah 1:14 Mean
Therefore– The word signals a direct link to the sins and coming judgment described inMicah 1:9-13.
– Judgment is not random; it is the measured response of a holy God (Deuteronomy 28:15-25;Amos 3:2).
– By placing “therefore” first, Micah reminds his hearers that consequences flow inevitably from covenant unfaithfulness (Leviticus 26:14-17).
Send farewell gifts to Moresheth-gath– “Farewell gifts” picture a dowry sent with a daughter who is leaving home, underscoring that the town will be handed over to an enemy and effectively “married off” against Judah’s wishes (2 Kings 18:13-16).
– Moresheth-gath was Micah’s own village (Jeremiah 26:18), making the prophecy personal and poignant.
– The command to send gifts implies the people cannot stop the loss—only acknowledge it, much like Judah later acknowledged the Babylonian exile was unavoidable (2 Chronicles 36:15-17).
– Cross-reference contrasts: where David once brought spoil back from Gath in victory (1 Samuel 27:9), Judah now sends assets away in defeat.
The houses of Achzib will prove deceptive– “Achzib,” sounding like “lie” or “deceit,” becomes a living parable: what looks secure will betray (Proverbs 11:28;Isaiah 30:1-3).
– Fortified homes and alliances in the Shephelah were expected to shelter Judah’s royalty, yet they would crumble under Assyrian pressure (2 Kings 18:17-19:7).
– Similar irony appears inJeremiah 15:18, where a “deceptive brook” fails thirsting travelers; likewise Achzib fails Judah’s hopes.
– The verse underscores that trusting anything other than the Lord—cities, walls, or political deals—leads to disappointment (Psalm 20:7).
To the kings of Israel– Though Micah is preaching in Judah, the term “kings of Israel” reminds the southern monarchy that they stand under the same covenant standards as their northern neighbors (Hosea 1:1;Micah 3:1).
– Achzib’s failure reaches the throne: leadership that tolerated idolatry will taste the consequences (2 Kings 16:2-4;2 Chronicles 28:19).
– The prophecy anticipates that rulers who counted on regional strongholds for security will discover those strongholds collapsing (Psalm 146:3-5).
summaryMicah 1:14 declares that because of persistent sin, God will allow cherished towns to slip from Judah’s grasp. Moresheth-gath will receive “farewell gifts,” symbolizing irreversible loss, while Achzib—aptly named—will betray royal expectations. The verse confronts any reliance on human defenses, urging wholehearted trust in the Lord, whose covenant warnings always prove true.
(14)
Give presents--
i.e., thou shalt cease to give to Moresheth-gath the protection due from a husband to a wife: thou shalt give her a bill of divorce. The Hebrew word means either the presents sent
with a daughter or the dismissal sent
to a wife.
Achzib.--A town on the sea-coast between Accho and Tyre. Its name means false, deceptive; it is used of a river drying up, and disappointing the traveller. In like manner Achzib shall fulfil the import of its name, and prove a lie, a broken reed, to the kings of Israel. (See alsoJeremiah 15:18, where the prophet asks God, "Wilt Thou be altogether unto me as a liar [Heb.,Achzab], as waters that fail?")
Verse 14. -
Therefore. Because Judah has adopted the evil practices of Israel. The prophet here addresses Judah, and continues to do so to the end of the chapter.
Shalt thou give presents to Moreshsth-Gath. The "presents" intended are parting gifts, farewell presents. The word is used (
1 Kings 9:16) for the dowry given to a daughter when she is married. The meaning, therefore, is that Judah must relinquish all claim to Moresheth. The paronomasia is explained in two ways. As
Moresheth may mean "possession," the prophet may be understood to say, "Thou shalt give up possession of Gath's possession." Or the play of words may depend upon the similarity of sound between
Moresheth and
Meorasah, "Betrothed" (
Deuteronomy 22:29), "Thou shalt give dismissal (bill of divorcement) to the city once betrothed to thee." Moresheth-Gath, Micah's birthplace, is placed just south of Beit Jibrin, or Eleutheropolis, about twenty-five miles from Gaza (see Introduction, § II.). The addition of Gath to the name of the town is meant to mark its situation in the immediate neighbourhood of that well known city. So we have Bethlehem-Judah (
Judges 17:7), Abel-Maim or Maachah (
1 Kings 15:20;
2 Chronicles 16:4). Septuagint,
Δώσειἐξαποστελλομένους ἕως κληρονομίας Γέο, "He shall cause men to be sent forth even to the inheritance of Geth;" Vulgate,
Dabit emissarios super heredidatem Geth. To give
shilluchim the sense of "messengers" seems to be unprecedented.
The houses of Achzib shall be a lie (
achzab), a lying, deceiving brook, which disappoints the hope of the wayfarer, like "fundus mendax" (Horat., 'Carm.,' 3:1. 30). Septuagint,
οἴκουςματαίους, "vain houses;" Vulgate,
domusmendacii. The city shall be yielded to the enemy and lost to the Judaeans. Achzib (
Joshua 15:44),
hod. Ain Kezbeh, eight miles north of Adullam, is probably the same as Chezib (
Genesis 38:5), where Shelah, Judah's son by Tamar, was born.
The kings of Israel. "Israel" is here equivalent to Judah, having, according to the prediction of vers. 6, 7, lost its political existence (comp.
2 Chronicles 28:19, where Ahaz is called King of Israel).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Therefore,לָכֵן֙(lā·ḵên)Adverb
Strong's 3651:So -- thussendתִּתְּנִ֣י(tit·tə·nî)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setfarewell giftsשִׁלּוּחִ֔ים(šil·lū·ḥîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7964:A sending away, parting gifttoעַ֖ל(‘al)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstMoresheth-gath;גַּ֑ת(gaṯ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4182:Moresheth-gath -- 'possession', a place near Gaththe housesבָּתֵּ֤י(bāt·tê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1004:A houseof Achzibאַכְזִיב֙(’aḵ·zîḇ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 392:Achzib -- 'deceptive', two places in Palestine[will] prove deceptiveלְאַכְזָ֔ב(lə·’aḵ·zāḇ)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 391:Deceptive, disappointingto the kingsלְמַלְכֵ֖י(lə·mal·ḵê)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4428:A kingof Israel.יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc
Links
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OT Prophets: Micah 1:14 Therefore you will give a parting gift (Mc Mic. Mi) 
