MICAH THE ARGUMENT IT is by custom become necessary, in writing the arguments on the several prophets, to tell of what country the prophet was; and where the Holy Ghost observes it we may not slight it.

The word of the Lord that came: thus Hosea begins his prophecy, Hos. 1:1, and Joel 1:1, and Jonah 1:0:, and Zeph. 1:1, which see. Micah: though Hierom, Epiphanius, and Dorotheus are said to report this Micah to be the same with the son of Imlah, 1 Kings 22:8, yet R. Sol.

Hear: the prophet here by proclamation requires earnest attention to his word. So Moses, Deut. 4:26, Deut. 30:19, Deut. 32:1; so the psalmist, Ps. 50:1, Ps. 50:4, Isa. 1:2, Isa. 34:1.

For, behold; there is great reason for my earnestness with all people, and therefore once more I advise you to consider it well. Behold, attend to what is said. The Lord cometh forth; who is Judge himself, Ps. 50:1, Ps.

The mountains shall be molten: if literally understood, we know it hath been so: when God will kindle that fire which shall burn up the earth, and the works of it, as he will when he cometh finally to judge the world, it shall be done again.

For the transgression; the singular for the plural, the many transgressions committed amongst them; but especially that flood of iniquity which, springing up in Samaria, did overflow the whole kingdom, idolatry, pride, luxury, cruelty, and oppression.

Therefore; for these sins of Samaria, and the kingdom of Israel. I will make; not by an immediate hand from heaven, but by the Assyrians under the conduct of Shalmaneser, they shall do it as my servants, saith the Lord. Samaria as a heap of the field; much like Isa.

All the graven images; erected in honour to the idols they worshipped, which usually were the images or similitudes resembling their idols, their gods of silver, gold, or stone and brass, or wood.

Therefore, because of those dreadful slaughters and devastations made in Israel and Samaria, I will wail, solemnly, as when they who are skilful in lamentation do at funerals bewail in most affective manner to stir up the like sorrow in others: see Amos 5:16.

Her wound is incurable; the wounds of Samaria and the ten tribes; her own sins, God’s just displeasure, and the enemy’s rage have deeply wounded her, she is senseless, impenitent, and furious against her Physician, and she shall at last die by sword, famine, pestilence, and captivity.

Declare ye it not at Gath; do what you can to keep your griefs to yourselves, let them not be public, that the Philistines, your bitter enemies, should know how sad it is with you and rejoice at it.

Pass ye away: the imperative is here put for the future, and the prophet does here foretell and threaten what shall befall this people, they shall go before the enemy into captivity.

For; yet, or certainly, as the Hebrew particle is often to be rendered. The inhabitant; one put for all, because all should fare alike. Maroth: some say it is by transposing the letters put for Ramoth; others say it is, as the word imports, the grieving, imbittered cities; others take it for the…

Lachish; a very strong fortress on the confines of Judah towards the kingdom of the ten tribes, and which, as it did to the last stand out against Sennacherib, so it is very probable they did boast of their strength and valour.

Therefore; forasmuch as thou hast imitated Israel in sin, and been at least an occasion to Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah to commit the same sins. Shalt thou, Lachish, give presents: though I do not remember the sacred story reporting this in matter of fact, we read not what presents were…

Yet will I bring; the Lord will cause the Assyrian to rise up and prosper in his wars, to the subduing and possessing of the cities of Israel and the Philistines. An heir; the Assyrian, who in the right of conquest shall possess, and account himself heir of what he possesseth.

Make thee bald; O Judea and Israel, in token of sorrow for these wasting judgments, tear off thy hair with thine own hands. Poll thee; shave off with the razor and by others’ hand what thou canst not tear off.