Micah 1:12

For the inhabitant of Maroth waited carefully for good: but evil came down from the LORD unto the gate of Jerusalem.

For the inhabitant {H3427} of Maroth {H4796} waited carefully {H2342} for good {H2896}: but evil {H7451} came down {H3381} from the LORD {H3068} unto the gate {H8179} of Jerusalem {H3389}.

The inhabitants of Marot have no hope of anything good; for ADONAI has sent down disaster to the very gate of Yerushalayim.

For the dwellers of Maroth pined for good, but calamity came down from the LORD, even to the gate of Jerusalem.

For the inhabitant of Maroth waiteth anxiously for good, because evil is come down from Jehovah unto the gate of Jerusalem.

Micah 1:12 vividly portrays the impending judgment upon the towns of Judah, emphasizing the severity and proximity of the coming disaster. This verse is part of Micah’s prophetic lament over the destruction that will befall Israel and Judah due to their sin and idolatry.

Context

This verse is situated within Micah’s opening chapter, which details the Lord’s descent from heaven to judge His people, particularly Samaria and Judah. The prophet uses a series of wordplays on the names of various Judean towns to underscore their specific fates in the face of the approaching Assyrian (or later, Babylonian) invasion. Maroth is one such town, likely located in the Shephelah, the lowlands of Judah. The imagery depicts a wave of destruction advancing towards the very heart of the kingdom, Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Shattered Hopes: The phrase "the inhabitant of Maroth waited carefully for good" highlights a common human desire for peace and prosperity. Despite their fervent hope, their expectations are tragically unfulfilled, underscoring the grim reality of divine judgment.
  • Divine Sovereignty in Calamity: The stark declaration "but evil came down from the LORD" is central. Here, "evil" (Hebrew: ra') does not signify moral evil but rather calamity, disaster, or affliction sent by God as a consequence of sin. This emphasizes God's ultimate control over history and His role in bringing judgment upon nations and peoples (see Isaiah 45:7).
  • Proximity to Jerusalem: The judgment's advance "unto the gate of Jerusalem" signifies that the capital city itself, though seemingly secure, is directly threatened. This foreshadows the eventual siege and destruction of Jerusalem, a recurring theme in prophetic literature (compare Jeremiah 52:7). It underscores that no place, not even the holy city, is immune to God's righteous judgment when His people persist in disobedience.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Maroth" (Hebrew: Marowth) is likely a wordplay on the Hebrew root mar, meaning "bitter" or "sickness." This linguistic connection reinforces the town's bitter experience of suffering and its spiritual ailment, contrasting sharply with its longing for "good" (Hebrew: tov).

Practical Application

Micah 1:12 serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths:

  • God's Justice is Unwavering: While God is merciful, He is also just. Persistent sin and rebellion against His covenant will inevitably lead to consequences, sometimes severe, as seen in the judgment on Judah.
  • False Hopes and Reality: Human hopes for peace and well-being can be dashed when they are not aligned with God's will or when they ignore the need for repentance. This verse encourages a realistic view of life, acknowledging that hardship can come even when "good" is desired.
  • The Need for Repentance: The broader context of Micah's prophecy is a call for the people to turn from their wicked ways. Understanding that calamity comes from the Lord should drive individuals and nations to seek His face and repent, rather than merely hoping for external circumstances to improve.

Reflection

Micah 1:12 is a poignant verse that captures the despair of a people facing divine judgment. It highlights God's sovereign hand in history, bringing both blessing and calamity, and serves as a stark warning to those who wait for good while neglecting the path of righteousness. The message resonates today, reminding us of the importance of aligning our lives with God's will and seeking Him diligently, for His judgments, though sometimes severe, are ultimately just and aimed at bringing about repentance and restoration.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 14:19

    Hast thou utterly rejected Judah? hath thy soul lothed Zion? why hast thou smitten us, and [there is] no healing for us? we looked for peace, and [there is] no good; and for the time of healing, and behold trouble!

  • Amos 3:6

    Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done [it]?

  • Micah 1:9

    For her wound [is] incurable; for it is come unto Judah; he is come unto the gate of my people, [even] to Jerusalem.

  • Isaiah 59:9

    ¶ Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, [but] we walk in darkness.

  • Isaiah 59:11

    We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but [there is] none; for salvation, [but] it is far off from us.

  • Job 30:26

    When I looked for good, then evil came [unto me]: and when I waited for light, there came darkness.

  • Isaiah 45:7

    I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these [things].

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