Micah 1:13

Authorized King James Version

O thou inhabitant of Lachish, bind the chariot to the swift beast: she is the beginning of the sin to the daughter of Zion: for the transgressions of Israel were found in thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

רְתֹ֧ם

H7573

bind

to yoke up (to the pole of a vehicle)

הַמֶּרְכָּבָ֛ה

H4818

the chariot

a chariot

לָרֶ֖כֶשׁ

H7409

to the swift beast

a relay of animals on a post-route (as stored up for that purpose); by implication, a courser

יוֹשֶׁ֣בֶת

H3427

O thou inhabitant

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

לָכִ֑ישׁ

H3923

of Lachish

lakish, a place in palestine

רֵאשִׁ֨ית

H7225

she is the beginning

the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)

חַטָּ֥את

H2403

of the sin

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

הִיא֙

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לְבַת

H1323

to the daughter

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

#10

צִיּ֔וֹן

H6726

of Zion

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

#11

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#12

בָ֥ךְ

#13

נִמְצְא֖וּ

H4672

were found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

#14

פִּשְׁעֵ֥י

H6588

for the transgressions

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

#15

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?