Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Morasthite" is a designation used in the Bible to identify the prophet Micah, distinguishing him by his place of origin. Micah is referred to as "the Morasthite" because he hailed from Moresheth, a town in the region of Judah. This identification is significant in understanding the historical and geographical context of Micah's prophetic ministry.
Biblical References:The primary reference to Micah as "the Morasthite" is found in the book of Micah itself. In
Micah 1:1 , it states: "The word of the LORD that came to Micah the Morasthite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem." This introduction not only identifies Micah's origin but also situates his prophetic activity during the reigns of these Judean kings, providing a timeframe for his ministry.
Additionally, the prophet Jeremiah references Micah as "the Morasthite" in
Jeremiah 26:18 : "Micah the Morasthite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah and said to all the people of Judah: ‘This is what the LORD of Hosts says: Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, and the temple mount a wooded ridge.’" This citation underscores the impact of Micah's prophecies and their recognition by later generations.
Historical and Geographical Context:Moresheth, also known as Moresheth-Gath, was a town located in the Shephelah, the lowland region of Judah. This area was strategically significant, serving as a buffer zone between the coastal plains and the central highlands. The town's proximity to Gath, a major Philistine city, may have influenced Micah's awareness of international affairs and the socio-political dynamics of his time.
Micah's designation as "the Morasthite" highlights his roots in a rural setting, which is reflected in his prophecies. His messages often emphasize social justice, the plight of the poor, and the corruption of the urban elite, themes that resonate with the experiences of those living in the agrarian communities of Judah.
Theological Significance:The use of "the Morasthite" to describe Micah serves to authenticate his prophetic authority by linking him to a specific location and community. It underscores the biblical theme that God calls individuals from diverse backgrounds to deliver His messages. Micah's prophecies, characterized by their call for justice and righteousness, align with the broader prophetic tradition in the Hebrew Scriptures.
Micah's role as "the Morasthite" also emphasizes the continuity of God's revelation through His prophets. His messages, particularly the foretelling of the destruction and eventual restoration of Jerusalem, are integral to the biblical narrative of judgment and hope. The reference to Micah in Jeremiah's time illustrates the enduring influence of his prophecies and their relevance to subsequent generations.
In summary, "the Morasthite" is a title that not only identifies Micah's geographical origin but also enriches our understanding of his prophetic ministry within the historical and theological framework of the Bible.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
The Morasthitethat is, the native of a place named Moresheth. It occurs twice -- (Jeremiah 26:18;Micah 1:1) --each time as the description of the prophet Micah.
Library
Doubtful Fragments on the Pentateuch.
... And Jonan delivered it to Micha theMorasthite, who delivered it to Nachum the
Alcusite. And Nachum delivered it to Chabakuk the prophet....
From Megiddo to Carchemish, 608-605.
... There was Micaiah theMorasthite in the days of Hezekiah, king of Judah, and he
said to all the people of Judah, Thus saith the Lord: Sion like a field shall...
Letter Liii. To Paulinus.
... Micah theMorasthite a joint heir with Christ [1481] announces the spoiling of the
daughter of the robber and lays siege against her, because she has smitten...
The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... Micah is called theMorasthite, probably because he was a native of Moresheth-gath,
a small town of Judea, which, according to Eusebius and Jerome, lay in a...
The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the...
... sixteen years. In his time Esaias still prophesied, and Hosea, and Mich??as
theMorasthite, and Joel the son of Bethuel. Next in...
The Prophet Micah.
... The circumstance of Micah being called theMorasthite, accounts for the fact that,
in this threatening against the cities of Judah, in i.14, it is Moresheth...
The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8. <....
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