Biblical Reference:
Maroth is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Micah. The reference can be found in Micah 1:12: "For the residents of Maroth writhe in pain, waiting for relief, because disaster has come from the LORD, even to the gate of Jerusalem."

Location and Historical Context:
Maroth is identified as a town in the ancient kingdom of Judah. The exact location of Maroth is not definitively known today, but it is believed to have been situated in the Shephelah, the lowland region of Judah. This area was known for its fertile land and strategic importance, often serving as a buffer zone between the coastal plains and the central highlands of Judah.

Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Maroth" is derived from the Hebrew root "mar," meaning "bitter." This etymology is significant in understanding the context of Micah's prophecy, as the town's name reflects the bitterness and suffering experienced by its inhabitants due to impending judgment and disaster.

Prophetic Significance:
In the book of Micah, Maroth is mentioned as part of a series of prophetic pronouncements against various cities in Judah. The prophet Micah uses a play on words with the names of these towns to convey messages of impending doom and divine judgment. The mention of Maroth highlights the anguish and anticipation of relief that the people experience, yet they are met with disaster instead. This serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of sin and the inescapable nature of divine judgment.

Theological Implications:
The reference to Maroth in Micah underscores the theme of divine justice and the certainty of God's judgment against sin. The suffering of Maroth's inhabitants is emblematic of the broader suffering that comes upon those who turn away from God's commandments. It serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the need for faithfulness to God's covenant.

Cultural and Religious Context:
During the time of Micah, the kingdom of Judah was facing significant political and social upheaval. The Assyrian Empire was a dominant force, and the threat of invasion loomed large over the region. The prophetic messages delivered by Micah, including the one concerning Maroth, were intended to awaken the people of Judah to the reality of their spiritual condition and the need for reform.

Relevance for Today:
The mention of Maroth in the Bible, though brief, carries a timeless message about the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of seeking His mercy and guidance. It serves as a reminder of the bitterness that can result from sin and the hope that comes from repentance and reliance on God's promises.Maroth

bitterness

Maroth

(bitterness), one of the towns of the western lowland of Judah. (Micah 1:12)

Bitterness; i.e., "perfect grief", a place not far from Jerusalem; mentioned in connection with the invasion of the Assyrian army (Micah 1:12). MAROTH

ma'-roth, ma'-roth (maroth; (katoikousa) (odunas): An unknown town probably in the Philistine plain, named by Micah (1:12).

4796. Maroth -- a place in Judah
... 4795, 4796. Maroth. 4797 . a place in Judah. Transliteration: Maroth Phonetic
Spelling: (maw-rohth') Short Definition: Maroth. Word ...
/hebrew/4796.htm - 6kMaroth (1 Occurrence)
...MAROTH. ma'-roth, ma'-roth (maroth; (katoikousa) (odunas): An unknown town probably
in the Philistine plain, named by Micah (1:12). ...Maroth (1 Occurrence). ...
/m/maroth.htm - 7k

Marred (7 Occurrences)

/m/marred.htm - 8k

Carefully (76 Occurrences)
... Several words in the Hebrew and Greek are thus rendered in the English versions
"Anxiously" is the thought in "The inhabitants of Maroth waited carefully for ...
/c/carefully.htm - 31k

Jarmuth (7 Occurrences)
... and Adullam. Cheyne (Encyclopedia Biblica) suggests that the "Maroth" of
Micah 1:12 may be a copyist's error for Jarmuth. In Eusebius ...
/j/jarmuth.htm - 11k

Waits (21 Occurrences)
... (WEB RSV NIV). Micah 1:12 For the inhabitant of Maroth waits anxiously for good,
because evil has come down from Yahweh to the gate of Jerusalem. (WEB). ...
/w/waits.htm - 11k

Writhe (6 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Micah 1:12 For the inhabitant of Maroth waits anxiously for good,
because evil has come down from Yahweh to the gate of Jerusalem. (See NIV). ...
/w/writhe.htm - 8k

Waiteth (15 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Micah 1:12 For the inhabitant of Maroth waiteth anxiously
for good, because evil is come down from Jehovah unto the gate of Jerusalem. ...
/w/waiteth.htm - 10k

Inhabitress (12 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Micah 1:12 For the inhabitress of Maroth waited anxiously for good; but evil
hath come down from Jehovah unto the gate of Jerusalem. (DBY). ...
/i/inhabitress.htm - 10k

Marmoth

/m/marmoth.htm - 6k

Anxiously (8 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Micah 1:12 For the inhabitant of Maroth waits anxiously for good, because
evil has come down from Yahweh to the gate of Jerusalem. ...
/a/anxiously.htm - 8k

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