Definition: For the inhabitant of Maroth waited carefully for good: but evil came down from the LORD unto the gate of Jerusalem.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Micah 1:12 together. It's a really interesting and somewhat symbolic piece of scripture. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about preparedness and the coming of something bad. It speaks to a time when people were expecting good things, but something terrible was actually on its way. Let's unpack each part: "For the inhabitant of Maroth..." : Marot was a city in ancient Middle East – likely somewhere near modern-day Lebanon. It’s a place known for being a very important and busy trade route. "...waited carefully for good..." : This is the key part. The people of Maroth were expecting things to go well, prosperity, or happiness. They had hopes and plans. They were looking forward to a positive future. "...but evil came down from the LORD unto the gate of Jerusalem." : This is where it gets interesting. "Evil" isn’t just simple badness – it's something significant that was coming. “The gate of Jerusalem” is a really important place in Jewish tradition, symbolizing the heart and center of Israel. This ‘evil’ came from God, specifically from Him. So, what does this mean? It suggests that there will be a time when: 1. People are expecting good things to happen – perhaps a period of peace, prosperity, or happiness. 2. But, something bad actually arrives and disrupts that expectation. 3. This “evil” is coming from God, and it’s a significant challenge or disruption. It’s often interpreted as a warning about: False hope: We shouldn't rely on good things without careful preparation or understanding. The importance of vigilance: We need to be aware of potential problems and take proactive steps to protect ourselves. God's judgment: It suggests that God is actively working towards a righteous outcome, even when we don’t see it immediately. In short, the verse paints a picture of a time when people are expecting good but something bad is about to arrive – and it’s important to be prepared. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse might apply to real-life situations?