Things We Don't See In English Bibles

For one of my classes, I am doing some extensive research on the Old Testament book of Micah. Micah is my favorite of the OT prophetic books. I stumbled across some research into the Hebrew language that only deepened my appreciation for the Scriptures in general and the book of Micah in particular.

In 1:10-1:16, Micah rattles of a list of cities that will be affected by the impending judgment of God. Before continuing further, take a minute and read through it here. This passage sounds like the typical judgment language that is used throughout the Old Testament prophetic books. These prophecies came at a very dark time in the history of Israel/Judah, and the language can be harsh-sounding to our modern ears. Most of these prophetic books were written for 3 main purposes: 1) to encourage God's people to stop continuing further in sin, 2) to explain why judgment and calamity has come upon them, and 3) to offer future hope and salvation. *side note: these #3 passages are often where we find the predictions about Jesus prior to his advent.

What we don't see in our English translations is how the words of judgment are related to the names of the cities themselves. Many commentators and Hebrew scholars have been astounded at the wordplay at work in these verses. Aside from the fact that this is divinely inspired scripture, the literary genius is truly remarkable:

City, Meaning of Name, Related Activity
1. Gath sounds like Hebrew for "tears" or "crying." The verse says to "weep not at all."
2. Beth-le-aphrah means "City of Dust." The verse says to "roll yourselves in the dust."
3. Shaphir sounds like Heb. for "beautiful." This city will be left "in nakedness and shame."
4. Zaanan sounds like Heb. for "moving around" or "coming out." The verse says that they won't come out.
5. Beth-ezel means "House of Taking Away." The song of weeping about this city will be so sad it will "take away" their ability even to stand.
6. Maroth sounds like Heb. for "bitter." This city is said to be waiting "anxiously for good" in the middle of this bitter disaster.
7. Lachish sounds like Heb. for "horses." The inhabitants of the city are encouraged to flee on horses and "chariots."
8. Moresheth-gath is related to the Heb. word me'orasah which means "one who is betrothed." The idea of "parting gifts" is related to the idea of a dowry that would go to a bride.
9. Achzib sound like Heb. for "deceptive." In turn, this city will be deceptive to the "rulers of Israel."
10. Mareshah sounds like Heb. for "conqueror." Now another "conqueror" will come to this city.
11. Adullam does not seem to have any apparent wordplay in place.

What an interesting literary device! This really brings home the emotion connection to these judgment verses. I'm trying to think of what this would look like if it was given to American cities:

...ships will flee from Anchorage.
...no angels will be found in Los Angeles.
...Fort Worth will be left utterly worthless.
...people in Nashville will grind their teeth.
...God will destroy the sorcerers in Wichita.

OK, so I'm obviously no Micah, but you get the idea. The main point is that when we read a little bit deeper into the texts of the scripture, it is amazing the layers that start to appear. I am left with little choice but to be amazed all over again at God's handiwork through these human authors that gave us the scriptures.