8 Because of this I must lament and wail , I must go barefoot and naked ; I must make a lament like the jackals And a mourning like the ostriches . 9 For her [1] wound is incurable , For it has come to Judah ; It has reached the gate of my people , Even to Jerusalem . 10 Tell it not in Gath , Weep not at all . At [2]Beth-le-aphrah roll yourself in the dust . 11 [3]Go on your way , inhabitant of [4]Shaphir , in shameful nakedness . The inhabitant of [5] Zaanan does not [6]escape . The lamentation of [7]Beth-ezel : "He will take from you its [8]support ." 12 For the inhabitant of [9]Maroth Becomes weak waiting for good , Because a calamity has come down from the Lord To the gate of Jerusalem . 13 Harness the chariot to the team of horses , O inhabitant of Lachish - She was the beginning of sin To the daughter of Zion - Because in you were found The rebellious acts of Israel . 14 Therefore you will give parting gifts On behalf of Moresheth-gath ; The houses of Achzib will become a deception To the kings of Israel . 15 Moreover , I will bring on you The one who takes possession , O inhabitant of [10] Mareshah . The glory of Israel will enter Adullam . 16 Make yourself bald and cut off your hair , Because of the children of your delight ; Extend your baldness like the eagle , For they will go from you into exile .

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Micah 1:8-16

Commentary on Micah 1:8-16

(Read Micah 1:8-16)

The prophet laments that Israel's case is desperate; but declare it not in Gath. Gratify not those that make merry with the sins or with the sorrows of God's Israel. Roll thyself in the dust, as mourners used to do; let every house in Jerusalem become a house of Aphrah, "a house of dust." When God makes the house dust it becomes us to humble ourselves to the dust under his mighty hand. Many places should share this mourning. The names have meanings which pointed out the miseries coming upon them; thereby to awaken the people to a holy fear of Divine wrath. All refuges but Christ, must be refuges of lies to those who trust in them; other heirs will succeed to every inheritance but that of heaven; and all glory will be turned into shame, except that honour which cometh from God only. Sinners may now disregard their neighbours' sufferings, yet their turn to be punished will some come.