Micah 1:10

Declare ye. Verses 10-16 constitute a dirge over the judgment to fall upon Judah. The opening clause is taken from David’s dirge over Saul (2 Samuel 1:20).

Gath. One of the five chief cities of the Philistines. Its location is uncertain. For suggested sites, see on 2 Kings 12:17. The ruin of Judah was not to be proclaimed in this enemy center. In Hebrew the word for Gath approximates in sound the word for “declare.” Many scholars believe there is here an intended play on words that may be reproduced as follows, “Tell it not in Tell-town.” Such plays on words are common in Hebrew poetry.

Weep ye not. Some suggest another play on words in this sentence, which they reproduce as follows, “Weep in Weep-town.” Such a reading can be obtained only by a change of the Hebrew text. The Hebrew does not mention the name of a town, but since all the other clauses in the context do, some think one was intended here. Baca, or Bochim, from the root bakah, “to weep,” has been suggested.

House of Aphrah. Or, more fully transliterated, “Beth-le-aphrah,” perhaps et-Taiyibeh near Hebron. Aphrah is from a Hebrew root meaning “dust.” Scholars have suggested another play on words, which may be reproduced as follows, “Roll in the dust in Dust-town.”