Micah 1:14

KJV

Therefore shalt thou give presents to Moreshethgath: the houses of Achzib [shall be] a lie to the kings of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore shalt thou give {H5414} presents {H7964} to Moreshethgath {H4182}: the houses {H1004} of Achzib {H392} shall be a lie {H391} to the kings {H4428} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore you must bestow parting gifts upon Moreshet-Gat. The houses of Akhziv will disappoint the kings of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, send farewell gifts to Moresheth-gath; the houses of Achzib will prove deceptive to the kings of Israel.

American Standard Version

Therefore shalt thou give a parting gift to Moresheth-gath: the houses of Achzib shall be a deceitful thing unto the kings of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 1:14 delivers a poignant prophetic lament, foretelling the devastating impact of the Assyrian invasion on the towns of Judah. Through a powerful use of wordplay, the prophet Micah declares that the town of Moresheth-gath will be forced to give "presents" or tribute to the invading forces, while the houses of Achzib, whose name means "deception," will prove to be a "lie" to the kings of Israel (Judah), offering no true refuge or security in their time of desperate need. This verse serves as a stark warning against placing trust in human constructs or alliances rather than in the unwavering faithfulness of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 1:14 is embedded within a powerful prophetic lament (Micah 1:8-16) where the prophet Micah mourns the impending judgment upon Judah and Israel. This section, often called the "lament over the cities," employs a series of mournful pronouncements, frequently utilizing clever **wordplay** on the names of various towns in the Shephelah region to highlight their specific fates. The preceding verses set the stage for a divine judgment that "comes down to the gate of Jerusalem" ([Micah 1:9](/micah/1-9 "Micah 1:9 - Judgment Reaches Jerusalem")), and the subsequent verses continue this dirge, with each town's name becoming a poignant commentary on its impending doom. Micah's own hometown, Moresheth-gath, is specifically named in this verse, underscoring the personal anguish of the prophet as he foresees the destruction sweeping through his homeland.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Micah 1 are primarily directed at the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah during the late 8th century BCE, a period dominated by the relentless expansion of the Assyrian Empire. The "judgment" described here directly anticipates the Assyrian invasion, particularly the campaigns of Sennacherib against Judah in 701 BCE, which are also recorded in [2 Kings 18:13-16](/2_kings/18-13-16 "2 Kings 18:13-16 - Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah"). The "presents" mentioned in the verse refer to the heavy tribute or reparations that conquered nations were forced to pay to their Assyrian overlords, a common practice of the time. The mention of "kings of Israel" here likely refers to the kings of Judah, as the northern kingdom had already fallen to Assyria in 722 BCE ([2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Fall of Samaria")). The cultural practice of naming places with significant meanings, which then become subjects of prophetic wordplay, is a key feature of ancient Near Eastern literature and is masterfully employed by Micah.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes found throughout the book of Micah. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Judgment and Inevitable Consequence** that awaits a disobedient nation. The impending destruction is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of the people's sin and idolatry, as articulated in [Micah 1:5](/micah/1-5 "Micah 1:5 - Transgression of Jacob and Israel"). Secondly, the verse exemplifies **Prophetic Wordplay and Irony**, a hallmark of Micah's style. The pun on "Achzib" (meaning "deception" or "lie") serves as a potent illustration of the futility of trusting in worldly structures or human alliances. This leads to the third theme: **False Hope and Betrayal**. The people and their leaders had placed their trust in physical strongholds or political arrangements that ultimately offered no protection. Achzib's fate serves as a stark reminder that anything relied upon apart from God is ultimately a source of false security and will inevitably fail, echoing the warnings found in [Jeremiah 17:5-6](/jeremiah/17-5-6 "Jeremiah 17:5-6 - Cursed is the Man Who Trusts in Man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **presents (Hebrew, _shillûwach'_):** From the root meaning "to send," this word (used in the plural) can denote a dismissal, a divorce settlement, or a parting gift. In the context of tribute to an invading army, it signifies a forced payment, a painful relinquishing of possessions, or even a "sending away" of resources, symbolizing deep loss and submission.
* **Achzib (Hebrew, _ʼAkzîyb'_):** This is the proper name of a town, derived from the root meaning "to lie" or "to deceive." As noted in the Strong's data, it can mean "deceitful (in the sense of a winter-torrent which fails in summer)." This inherent meaning of the town's name sets up the powerful wordplay in the verse, as the town itself will prove to be a "lie."
* **lie (Hebrew, _ʼakzâb'_):** This noun directly means "falsehood" or "treachery." It is the abstract noun form of the root from which "Achzib" is derived. Its use here confirms the prophetic pun, declaring that the town named "deception" will indeed be a source of deception and failure for those who rely on it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore shalt thou give presents to Moreshethgath:"** This clause addresses the inhabitants of Judah (or specifically the towns of the Shephelah region) as "thou," indicating a direct prophetic pronouncement. Moresheth-gath, Micah's own hometown, is singled out as a place that will be forced to pay tribute or "presents" to the invading Assyrian forces. This signifies the profound economic and territorial loss that will accompany the judgment, symbolizing a painful surrender and the stripping away of resources. The payment of tribute underscores the complete subjugation and loss of autonomy.
* **"the houses of Achzib [shall be] a lie to the kings of Israel."** This is the core of the wordplay and prophetic irony. Achzib, a town whose name is derived from the Hebrew word for "deception" or "lie," is declared to be precisely that. The "houses" represent the physical structures, the security, or perhaps even the promises of refuge that the town might have offered. However, these will prove to be utterly deceptive and unreliable to the "kings of Israel" (referring to the leaders of Judah). This highlights the futility of trusting in human strongholds or alliances, as they will ultimately fail to provide the promised security, leaving those who relied on them betrayed and exposed.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 1:14 is rich with **Wordplay** (or pun), which is the most prominent literary device. The prophet masterfully uses the name of the town **Achzib** (אַכְזִיב), which means "deception" or "lie," to declare that its "houses" will indeed be a "lie" (אַכְזָב, *'akzâb*) to the kings of Judah. This clever linguistic connection amplifies the message of futility and betrayal. This also creates a profound sense of **Irony**, as the town's very name foreshadows its ultimate fate and lack of reliability as a refuge. The prophetic address to "thou" (referring to the inhabitants or perhaps the land itself) can be seen as a form of **Apostrophe**, a direct address to an absent or personified entity, which adds to the mournful and personal tone of the lament. The entire passage (Micah 1:10-16) functions as an **Elegy** or lament, a mournful poem for the dead or a sorrowful reflection on impending loss and destruction, with each place-name contributing to the somber mood.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 1:14 powerfully underscores the theological truth that true security and hope are found exclusively in God, not in human constructs, geopolitical alliances, or material possessions. The "presents" to Moresheth-gath and the "lie" of Achzib serve as vivid metaphors for the ultimate emptiness of trusting in anything apart from the Lord. When a nation or individual places their confidence in worldly strength, deceptive promises, or false gods, they set themselves up for inevitable disappointment and judgment. This verse reveals God's sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to justice, demonstrating that He will expose all false securities and bring about the consequences of disobedience. It is a divine object lesson that reliance on anything other than the Creator is idolatry, leading to spiritual and often physical ruin.

* [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5-8 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Cursed is the Man Who Trusts in Man")
* [Psalm 118:8-9](/psalm/118-8-9 "Psalm 118:8-9 - Better to Trust in the Lord")
* [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Do Not Profit in the Day of Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 1:14 serves as a timeless warning for all generations, urging us to critically examine where we place our ultimate trust and security. In a world that constantly offers fleeting promises of stability, wealth, and comfort, it is easy to build our "houses" on foundations that are ultimately deceptive. Like the kings of Judah who relied on the physical strongholds of Achzib, we can be deceived by the allure of financial security, professional success, political power, or even personal relationships, believing these things will provide lasting peace and protection. This verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation: Are our "presents" being given to the world, signifying our submission to its systems, or are we investing our lives in the eternal kingdom of God? Are we building on the "lie" of self-sufficiency or the unwavering truth of God's Word? Genuine security is not found in the accumulation of earthly treasures or the strength of human alliances, but in the unwavering faithfulness and power of God alone. Only His promises are true and enduring, offering a foundation that will never prove to be a lie.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "Achzibs" in my life—the things I tend to rely on for security and hope apart from God?**
* **How does this verse challenge my perspective on material possessions, worldly success, or human relationships as ultimate sources of stability?**
* **In what ways can I intentionally shift my trust and reliance more fully onto God's unfailing promises and character?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "presents to Moreshethgath" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "shalt thou give presents to Moreshethgath" (KJV) refers to the forced payment of tribute or reparations. Moresheth-gath was the prophet Micah's own hometown, located in the Shephelah region of Judah. As the Assyrian army advanced, conquering towns in its path, the survivors were compelled to pay heavy "presents" to their new overlords to avoid complete destruction or to secure a measure of peace. This act of giving "presents" (Hebrew: _shillûwach_) symbolizes the deep loss, humiliation, and economic devastation that would befall the town and, by extension, Judah. It signifies a painful surrender of wealth and autonomy, highlighting the severe consequences of divine judgment brought about by the nation's disobedience, as seen in the historical accounts of Assyrian conquests, such as those described in [2 Kings 18:14-16](/2_kings/18-14-16 "2 Kings 18:14-16 - Hezekiah Pays Tribute to Sennacherib").

**Why are the "houses of Achzib" called a "lie" to the kings of Israel?**

Answer: This statement is a powerful example of prophetic wordplay and irony. The Hebrew name for the town, Achzib (אַכְזִיב, _ʼAkzîyb_), literally means "deception" or "lie." It could also refer to a deceitful wadi, a seasonal stream that promises water but dries up in summer. Therefore, when Micah declares that "the houses of Achzib shall be a lie" (אַכְזָב, _ʼakzâb_), he is using the town's very name to underscore its ultimate fate and unreliability. The "houses" represent the physical structures, the perceived security, or any false hope that the kings of Judah (referred to as "kings of Israel" in this context) might have placed in this stronghold. Micah's prophecy reveals that this reliance would prove to be utterly deceptive, offering no true refuge or protection against the impending Assyrian invasion. It serves as a stark warning against placing trust in anything other than God, as all human-made securities are ultimately fleeting and deceptive, as highlighted in [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalm/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by the Size of His Army").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 1:14, with its stark portrayal of false hope and the devastating consequences of misplaced trust, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The "lie" of Achzib, representing all human attempts at security apart from God, stands in stark contrast to Christ, who is the very embodiment of truth and the only sure foundation. While the houses of Achzib proved to be a deception to the kings of Israel, Jesus declares Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), offering an unwavering reality that never fails. The judgment pronounced upon Judah for its reliance on deceptive strongholds foreshadows the universal judgment against all sin and false worship, a judgment that Christ Himself bore on the cross, becoming the ultimate "present" or sacrifice for humanity's redemption ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). In Him, all of God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), providing a secure and eternal dwelling place for all who believe, a foundation that will never prove to be a lie, unlike the shifting sands upon which many build their lives ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")). Christ is the true Moresheth-gath, the ultimate possession and inheritance, and the only one who can truly deliver us from the devastating consequences of sin and misplaced trust.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 15:44

And Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages:

2 Kings 16:8

And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent [it for] a present to the king of Assyria.

2 Kings 18:14

And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have offended; return from me: that which thou puttest on me will I bear. And the king of Assyria appointed unto Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold.

2 Kings 18:16

At that time did Hezekiah cut off [the gold from] the doors of the temple of the LORD, and [from] the pillars which Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid, and gave it to the king of Assyria.

Psalms 118:8

[It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Psalms 118:9

[It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

Jeremiah 15:18

Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, [which] refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, [and as] waters [that] fail?