Moresheth-Gath
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Topical Encyclopedia
Moresheth-gath is a town mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the prophetic book of Micah. It is best known as the hometown of the prophet Micah, who prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. The name "Moresheth-gath" suggests a connection to the Philistine city of Gath, indicating its location in the Shephelah region, a fertile area of lowlands in ancient Judah.

Biblical References:

1. Micah 1:14 · "Therefore, you will give parting gifts to Moresheth-gath; the houses of Achzib will prove deceptive to the kings of Israel."
This verse is part of a series of pronouncements against various cities in Judah and Israel. The mention of "parting gifts" suggests a farewell or a separation, possibly indicating impending judgment or exile. Moresheth-gath is included in this list, highlighting its significance in the prophetic message of Micah.

2. Micah 1:1 · "This is the word of the LORD that came to Micah of Moresheth in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, the vision he saw regarding Samaria and Jerusalem."
Here, Moresheth is identified as the hometown of Micah, establishing the prophet's origins and providing context for his ministry. The reference to Moresheth underscores the rural and humble beginnings of Micah, contrasting with the urban centers of Samaria and Jerusalem, which were the focus of his prophecies.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Moresheth-gath was located in the Shephelah, a region characterized by its rolling hills and fertile valleys, making it an important agricultural area. Its proximity to the Philistine city of Gath suggests that it may have been a border town, subject to influences and conflicts between the Israelites and the Philistines. The strategic location of Moresheth-gath would have made it significant in the geopolitical landscape of the time.

Archaeological Insights:

While Moresheth-gath itself has not been definitively identified in modern archaeology, the region of the Shephelah has been extensively studied. Excavations in nearby sites have provided insights into the lifestyle, culture, and challenges faced by the inhabitants during the time of Micah. These findings help to illuminate the historical backdrop against which Micah delivered his prophecies.

Theological Significance:

Moresheth-gath's mention in the book of Micah serves as a reminder of the prophet's roots and the authenticity of his message. Coming from a small town, Micah's voice is a testament to God's use of humble origins to deliver profound truths. His prophecies, which include calls for justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8), resonate with the themes of divine judgment and hope for restoration.

The inclusion of Moresheth-gath in the biblical narrative highlights the interconnectedness of the various regions of ancient Israel and Judah, and the role of seemingly minor locations in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Possession of the wine-press, the birthplace of the prophet Micah (1:14), who is called the "Morasthite" (Jeremiah 26:18). This place was probably a suburb of Gath.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MORESHETH-GATH

mo'-resh-eth-gath, mo-resh'-eth-gath (moresheth gath, "inheritance or possession of Gath"; Septuagint kleronomias Geth): A place mentioned only in Micah 1:14. It must have been in the vicinity of Gath as the meaning of the name would indicate, and was the home of the prophet Micah (Micah 1:1 Jeremiah 26:18). It was probably in the vicinity of Mareshah (Micah 1:15). Jerome, in his preface to his work on Micah, places it a little to the East of Eleutheropolis (Beit Jibrin), and it would be natural to find it there if the latter place was Gath as some think. Robinson (BR, II, 68) found ruins of a village between one and two miles East of Beit Jibrin. It must have been among the foot-hills of Judah between the hill country and the Philistine plain on the route from Jerusalem to Lachish, Gaza and Egypt. Mareshah was certainly in that region, and the prophecy of Micah mentions towns and villages in the Shephelah and the Philistine country as though they were familiar to him (see HGHL and G. A. Smith, "Micah," in his Minor Prophets).

H. Porter

Strong's Hebrew
4182. Moresheth Gath -- "possession," a place near Gath
Moresheth Gath. 4181, 4182. Moresheth Gath. 4183 . "possession," a place
near Gath. Transliteration: Moresheth Gath Phonetic Spelling ...
/hebrew/4182.htm - 6k

4183. Morashti -- inhab. of Moresheth-gath
... of Moresheth-gath. Transliteration: Morashti Phonetic Spelling: (mo-rash-tee') Short
Definition: Moresheth. ... of Moresheth-gath NASB Word Usage Moresheth (2). ...
/hebrew/4183.htm - 6k

Library

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... Micah is called the Morasthite, probably because he was a native of Moresheth-gath,
a small town of Judea, which, according to Eusebius and Jerome, lay in a ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

Thesaurus
Moreshethgath (1 Occurrence)
... mo'-resh-eth-gath, mo-resh'-eth-gath (moreshethgath, "inheritance or possession
of Gath"; Septuagint kleronomias Geth): A place ...Moreshethgath (1 Occurrence). ...
/m/moreshethgath.htm - 8k

Moresheth-gath (1 Occurrence)
Moresheth-gath. Moreshethgath, Moresheth-gath. Mo'resheth-gath . Easton's Bible
Dictionary ... Moreshethgath, Moresheth-gath. Mo'resheth-gath . Reference Bible
/m/moresheth-gath.htm - 8k

Mo'resheth-gath (1 Occurrence)
Mo'resheth-gath. Moresheth-gath, Mo'resheth-gath. Moriah . ... Mo'resheth-gath
(1 Occurrence). Micah 1:14 Therefore you will give a parting gift to MoreshethGath...
/m/mo'resheth-gath.htm - 6k

Deceptive (11 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Micah 1:14 For this cause give a parting offering to Moresheth-gath:
the daughter of Achzib will be a deceit to the king of Israel. (See NIV). ...
/d/deceptive.htm - 9k

Moresheth (3 Occurrences)
... Micah 1:14 Therefore you will give a parting gift to MoreshethGath. The houses
of Achzib will be a deceitful thing to the kings of Israel. ...
/m/moresheth.htm - 7k

Mo'resheth (2 Occurrences)
Mo'resheth. Moresheth, Mo'resheth. Moreshethgath . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Moresheth, Mo'resheth. Moreshethgath . Reference Bible.
/m/mo'resheth.htm - 7k

Parting-gifts (1 Occurrence)
... Parting-gifts (1 Occurrence). Micah 1:14 Therefore shalt thou give parting-gifts
to Moresheth-Gath: the houses of Achzib shall be a lie to the kings of Israel. ...
/p/parting-gifts.htm - 6k

Aczib (4 Occurrences)
... Micah 1:14 Therefore you will give a parting gift to MoreshethGath. The houses
of Achzib will be a deceitful thing to the kings of Israel. (See NIV). ...
/a/aczib.htm - 7k

Achzib (4 Occurrences)
... Micah 1:14 Therefore you will give a parting gift to MoreshethGath. The houses
of Achzib will be a deceitful thing to the kings of Israel. ...
/a/achzib.htm - 10k

Deception (24 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Micah 1:14 For this cause give a parting offering to Moresheth-gath:
the daughter of Achzib will be a deceit to the king of Israel. (See NAS). ...
/d/deception.htm - 13k

Resources
What were the emerods God afflicted the Philistines with in 1 Samuel 5? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Jonah try to go to Tarshish instead of Nineveh? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Abimelech in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Moresheth-gath (1 Occurrence)

Micah 1:14
Therefore shalt thou give a parting gift to Moresheth-gath: the houses of Achzib shall be a deceitful thing unto the kings of Israel.
(See JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS)

Subtopics

Moresheth-Gath

Related Terms

Moresheth-gath (1 Occurrence)

Moriah (2 Occurrences)

Moreshethgath
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