I do not trespass on the Reader with observations on what is here said; it is sufficient to remark, that the Prophet is speaking of the low estate of the Church, and he calls in the neighboring nations as if to witness it. Gath is one of the chief cities of the Philistines. Aphrah means the land of dust, from its lowness and poverty. Saphir, though beautiful, shall know her shame; and Zanaan, which means a country of flocks, shall also be brought into trouble. The Prophet indeed refers to all the neighboring nations; for when the Lord hath a controversy with his people, he will also reckon with the nations. Reader! it is blessed when the Lord goeth forth to judgment, to have the chambers of his covenant to run into. That is a sweet promise to this amount. Isaiah 26:20-21.
Micah 1:10-16
10 Declare ye it not at Gath, weep ye not at all: in the house of Aphrahb roll thyself in the dust.
11 Pass ye away, thou inhabitant of Saphir, having thy shame naked: the inhabitant of Zaanan came not forth in the mourning of Bethezel; he shall receive of you his standing.
12 For the inhabitantc of Maroth waited carefully for good: but evil came down from the LORD unto the gate of Jerusalem.
13 O thou inhabitantd 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.
14 Therefore shalt thou give presents to Moreshethgath: the houses of Achzib shall be a lie to the kings of Israel.
15 Yet will I bring an heir unto thee, O inhabitante of Mareshah: he shall come unto Adullam the glory of Israel.
16 Make thee bald, and poll thee for thy delicate children; enlarge thy baldness as the eagle; for they are gone into captivity from thee.