Overview:
Saphir is a town mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Micah. The name "Saphir" means "beautiful" or "pleasant" in Hebrew, which is indicative of the town's likely appearance or reputation during biblical times. It is one of the locations addressed by the prophet Micah as he pronounces judgment upon the cities of Judah.

Biblical Reference:
The primary reference to Saphir is found in Micah 1:11. The prophet Micah, speaking the word of the LORD, addresses various cities in Judah, warning them of impending judgment due to their sins and transgressions. The verse reads:

"Pass on your way, inhabitants of Shaphir, in nakedness and shame. The inhabitants of Zaanan do not come out. Beth Ezel is in mourning; its support is taken from you." (Micah 1:11)

Context and Significance:
In the context of Micah's prophecy, Saphir is one of several towns that are warned of the coming devastation. The mention of "nakedness and shame" suggests a reversal of fortune and a stripping away of the town's beauty and dignity. This imagery is consistent with the prophetic tradition of using vivid language to convey the seriousness of divine judgment.

The prophecy against Saphir is part of a larger message in which Micah condemns the social injustices and idolatry prevalent in Judah. The prophet's message serves as a call to repentance, urging the people to return to the covenantal faithfulness required by God.

Historical and Geographical Considerations:
The exact location of Saphir is not definitively known, but it is generally 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 battleground between various powers throughout Israel's history.

The mention of Saphir alongside other towns such as Zaanan and Beth Ezel suggests that it was part of a network of settlements that experienced the consequences of Assyrian invasions during the 8th century BC. The historical context of Micah's ministry, which took place during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, aligns with the period of Assyrian expansion and the subsequent threat to the southern kingdom of Judah.

Theological Implications:
The reference to Saphir in Micah's prophecy underscores the theme of divine justice and the consequences of sin. The judgment pronounced upon Saphir and its neighboring towns serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the expectation of righteousness from His people. It highlights the reality that no community, regardless of its perceived beauty or status, is exempt from accountability before God.

Furthermore, the prophecy against Saphir reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's desire for His people to live in accordance with His commandments, emphasizing the importance of repentance and the hope of restoration for those who turn back to Him.Saphir

delightful

Saphir

(fair), one of the villages addressed by the prophet Micha, (Micah 1:11) is described by Eusebius and jerome as "in the mountain district between Eleutheropolis and Ascalon," perhaps represented by the village es-Sawafir , seven or eight miles to the northeast of Ascalon.

Beautiful, a town of Judah (Micah 1:11), identified with es-Suafir, 5 miles south-east of Ashdod. SAPHIR

sa'-fer (shaphir).

See SHAPHIR.

8208. Shaphir -- "beauty," a place perhaps in Philistia
... Saphir. From shaphar; beautiful; Shaphir, a place in Palestine -- Saphir. see HEBREW
shaphar. 8207, 8208. Shaphir. 8209 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/8208.htm - 6k

Note C. The Holiness of God.
... "I am holy""but God does not remain alone, separate""be ye also holy."'
(Saphir on Hebrews xii.). 'When we think of God as light ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/note c the holiness of.htm

And ii.
... Thus we find immediately afterwards, in ver.11: "Pass ye away, ye inhabitants of
Saphir, having your shame naked;" on which Michaelis remarks: "With naked ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i and ii.htm

The Covenant Promise of the Spirit
... this week. Our dearly beloved friend Adolph Saphir passed away last Saturday,
and his wife died three or four days before him. When ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the covenant promise of the.htm

Seventeenth Lesson. I Know that Thou Hearest Me Always;'
... He was, to use our imperfect language, from eternity speaking unto the Father
on behalf of the world.'"SAPHIR, The Hidden Life, chap. vi. ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/seventeenth lesson i know that.htm

The Johannean Literature.
... Daniel und die Offenbarung Johannis, 1854; Engl. transl. by Ad. Saphir, 1856,
2d Germ. ed.1857); D?�sterdieck (1859, 3d ed.1877); Bleek ...
/.../section 40 the johannean literature.htm

Saphir (1 Occurrence)
... Ashdod. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SAPHIR. sa'-fer (shaphir). See SHAPHIR.
Multi-Version Concordance Saphir (1 Occurrence). Micah ...
/s/saphir.htm - 7k

Bethezel (1 Occurrence)
... Micah 1:11 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 ...
/b/bethezel.htm - 7k

Shaphir (1 Occurrence)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHAPHIR. sha'-fer (shaphir, "glittering"; kalos; the
King James Version Saphir): One of a group of towns mentioned in Micah 1:10-15. ...
/s/shaphir.htm - 7k

Sapheth

/s/sapheth.htm - 6k

Saphuthi

/s/saphuthi.htm - 6k

Exposed (39 Occurrences)
... Micah 1:11 Pass ye away, thou inhabitant of Saphir, having thy shame exposed: the
inhabitant of Zaanan came not forth in the mourning of Beth-ezel; he shall ...
/e/exposed.htm - 17k

Philistines (224 Occurrences)
... The names of places in Philistia noticed yet earlier by Thothmes III are
all Semitic, including Joppa, Saphir, Gerar, Gezer, etc. ...
/p/philistines.htm - 75k

Priest (500 Occurrences)
... 4. Symbolism of Aaron's Rod: Adolph Saphir believes there is deep significance in
the miracle of Aaron's rod that budded and bare almonds (Numbers 17). ...
/p/priest.htm - 88k

Mourning (85 Occurrences)
... Micah 1:11 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 ...
/m/mourning.htm - 34k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus