A NEW TRANSLATION WITH NOTES FOR ENGLISH READERS AND HEBREW STUDENTS. BY JOHN SHARPE, M. A., Rector of Gissing, Norfolk; Late Fellow and Lecturer of Christ's College, Cambridge; CAMBRIDGE :--J. HALL & SON; LONDON-WHITTAKER & CO.; SIMPKIN, MARSHALL & CO.; PREFACE. This edition of the prophet Micah is intended mainly for the use of Hebrew Students. But as an interest in prophecy is felt by very many who are not Hebrew Students, I have divided the notes into two parts. In the English notes, the English reader will find all the results, and as far as possible, the processes by which they have been reached. In the Hebrew notes, the Hebrew student will find a thorough discussion of all difficulties of language or translation. I have made free use of all books and commentaries which were within my reach, but I have not thought it necessary to state my authority in every case. The reader will easily distinguish those parts which claim to be original. J. S. A HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION. MICAH prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, i. e. from B. C. 757 to B. C. 697, a maximum period, from the accession of Jotham, to the death of Hezekiah, of 60 years: or a minimum period of 16 years, from the death of Jotham, to the first year of Hezekiah, B. C. 742-726. He was therefore contemporary with Hosea, Amos, and Isaiah. This striking development of the prophetic spirit is coincident with a change in the political horizon. The dark cloud was rising which soon enveloped in night and ruin the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Asshur had at length broken the power of Syria, the bulwark of Israel, and meditated further conquests. The glorious reign of Asshur-idanni-pal (B. C. 836 -858.) had brought the arms of Asshur sufficiently near to cause uneasiness to Israel. Benhadad (about B. C. 900.), the great king of Damascus, formed an alliance with Ahab, king of Israel, and others, to stem the tide of Assyrian victory, but in vain: Shalmaneser II. (B. c. 858—823.), son of Asshur-idanni-pal, gained a great battle, though after a resistance so a |