Albert Barnes Commentary Micah 1:11

Albert Barnes Commentary

Micah 1:11

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

Micah 1:11

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"Pass away, O inhabitant of Shaphir, in nakedness and shame: the inhabitant of Zaanan is not come forth; the wailing of Beth-ezel shall take from you the stay thereof." — Micah 1:11 (ASV)

You pass away—(literally, "You (feminine singular) pass away to or for yourselves"), disregarded by God and despised by man, pass beyond the borders of your land into captivity.

You inhabitant of Shaphir, having your shame naked—better, in nakedness and shame. Shaphir (meaning "fair") was a village in Judah, between Eleutheropolis and Ashkelon (according to the Onomasticon). There are still, in the Shephelah, two villages called Sawafir. It, once fair, will now go forth in the disgrace and dishonor with which captives were led away.

The inhabitants of Zaanan did not come forth—Zaanan (meaning "abounding in flocks") was probably the same as Zenan of Judah, which lay in the Shephelah. It, which formerly went out in pastoral gladness with the multitude of its flocks, will now shrink into itself for fear.

The mourning of Beth-Ezel—(literally, "house of root," firmly rooted)—will take from you its supports. It too cannot help itself, much less be a stay to others. Those who have been accustomed to go out in fullness will not go out then, and those who remain, strong though they are, will not provide an abiding place. Neither in going out nor in remaining will anything be secure then.