Micah 1:11

11. The text of this verse is very obscure, which may be due in part to the attempt to secure paronomasia even at the cost of clearness, and in part to corruption of the text. The presence of several grammatical peculiarities and difficulties make it highly probable that the text has suffered in transmission. Various emendations have been proposed, but all are more or less unsatisfactory. The comments here are based upon the assumption that, essentially at least, the text is correct.

Pass ye away Into exile.

Saphir R.V., “Shaphir”; meaning “Beauty-town.” It has been identified with Shamir (Judges 10:1) in Mount Ephraim; but the town must be looked for farther south, near the border of Philistia. The Shamir in the hill country of Judah (Joshua 15:48) would be more suitable. Robinson identified Shaphir with one of the mud villages, called es-Suafir, about three and one half miles southeast of Ashdod; the same place seems to be mentioned by Jerome and Eusebius, and may be the place meant by Micah, but the identification must still be regarded as doubtful.

Having thy shame naked R.V., “in nakedness and shame”; with shame uncovered. If the text is correct, it implies a warning to the inhabitants of Shaphir that they will be driven into exile and subjected to shameful treatment.

Zaanan Meaning, perhaps, “March-town.” It is not yet identified; perhaps it is identical with Zenan (Joshua 15:37).

Came not forth R.V., “is not come forth.” The inhabitants of Zaanan are so terrified that they do not dare leave their city to fight or to flee. Their terror increases as they learn of the fate of the neighboring towns.

Beth-ezel May be the same as Azel (Zechariah 14:5; see there). The meaning of the name is “The house by the side of,” and the city is named here on account of this meaning. Being in the neighborhood, it should become a place of refuge to the fugitives; but in this crisis the city belies its name, for it fails to give support.

He shall receive of you his standing R.V., “shall take (better, takes) from you the stay thereof.” An obscure expression, which has received manifold interpretations. The most satisfactory, though not free from difficulties, is that which makes the sentence to mean that the presence of the enemy in Beth-ezel will make it impossible for any fugitive from Zaanan to take refuge there; therefore, the inhabitants of the latter city, when they hear of the distress of the neighboring town, will hesitate to leave their own.