Lexical Summary Morashti: Morashti Original Word: מוֹרַשְׁתִּי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Morashthite Patrial from Mowresheth Gath; a Morashtite or inhabitant of Moresheth-Gath -- Morashthite. see HEBREW Mowresheth Gath NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Moresheth Definition inhab. of Moresheth-gath NASB Translation Moresheth (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs מ(וֺ)רַשְׁתִּי adjective, of a people only מִיכָה הַמֹּרַשְׁתִּי Micah 1:1, ׳מִיכָי֯ה הַמּוֺ Jeremiah 26:18; see foregoing. Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Morashthi identifies a resident of Moresheth (also called Moresheth-Gath), a small agrarian town in the Shephelah of Judah, roughly eight kilometers southeast of Gath and near Lachish. Its position along trade routes between the Judean highlands and Philistia exposed it to both economic exchange and military incursions, shaping a populace keenly aware of social vulnerability and foreign threat. Archaeological soundings at Tel Sandahannah (often equated with Moresheth-Gath) reveal eighth-century pottery and fortifications that coincide with the Assyrian advance under Sennacherib. Literary Usage The title “the Morashthi” individualizes the prophet Micah in two Old Testament texts: In each instance the descriptor functions like “Elijah the Tishbite” or “Nahum the Elkoshite,” anchoring the prophet to a concrete community and authenticating his testimony by local witness. Historical Context Micah’s ministry spanned the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (circa 735–700 B.C.). Moresheth lay on the front line of Assyrian expansion, suffering deportations and land seizures that Judah’s elite often facilitated (Micah 2:1-2). From this embattled vantage point, “the Morashthi” denounced injustice in both rural estates and urban palaces, embodying the covenant voice of the oppressed. Jeremiah’s citation, delivered more than a century later, recalls Hezekiah’s humble response to Micah’s warning and presents a precedent for national repentance (Jeremiah 26:18-19), underscoring Scripture’s internal harmony. Prophetic Emphasis 1. Social Equity – Micah’s rural pedigree sharpened his sensitivity to land theft, corrupt courts, and exploitative commerce (Micah 2–3; 6:10-12). Canon and Intertextuality Jeremiah’s quotation proves that Micah’s oracles were already regarded as authoritative Scripture in the late seventh century. The elders’ appeal to Micah spared Jeremiah’s life, providing a biblical model of honoring earlier prophetic witness and demonstrating the consistency of divine warning and mercy across generations. Theological and Christological Significance By tethering Micah to Moresheth, the Spirit emphasizes that God raises voices from overlooked places to announce both judgment and salvation. The same prophet who threatens Jerusalem with exile also foretells the universal reign of the Prince of Peace. Thus “the Morashthi” bridges local suffering and global redemption, showing that geography does not confine the reach of grace. Lessons for Ministry • Credibility grows when message and environment align; Micah’s rural background authenticated his critique of land injustice. Forms and Transliterations הַמֹּ֣רַשְׁתִּ֔י הַמּ֣וֹרַשְׁתִּ֔י המורשתי המרשתי ham·mō·raš·tî ham·mō·w·raš·tî hamMorashTi hammōraštî hammōwraštîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Jeremiah 26:18 HEB: (מִיכָה֙ ק) הַמּ֣וֹרַשְׁתִּ֔י הָיָ֣ה נִבָּ֔א NAS: Micah of Moresheth prophesied KJV: Micah the Morasthite prophesied INT: Micah of Moresheth will become prophesied Micah 1:1 2 Occurrences |
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