"For the inhabitant of Maroth becomes weak waiting for good, because a calamity has come down from the Lord to the gate of Jerusalem.  Harness the chariot to the team of horses, O inhabitant of Lachish - she was the beginning of sin to the daughter of Zion - because in you were found the rebellious acts of Israel.  Therefore you will give parting gifts on behalf of Moresheth-gath; the houses of Achzib will become a deception to the kings of Israel."

Now here is what is happening in Lachish.  This was a city that fell to Joshua when the Israelites come into the promised land (see Joshua 10:31-33).  Somewhere in the time line of Israel, Lachish became a stumbling block.  Micah calls the city, "The beginning of sin for the daughter of Zion"  and the results are simple:  painful downward spiral of Israel.

But God is not giving up on Israel.  God does not give up on you and I.  God has a plan for revival.

This is why Micah speaks to the idea of "parting gifts" (verse 14).

A parting gift is something you give when you see someone leave.  Israel is asking their own sinful nature to take a hike (A long walk off a short pier).  Israel, like you and I, is saying goodbye to that which hurts them.

The challenge comes when we try to remain away from sin - the answer is to remain close to God.  This is exactly what God is doing with Zion - drawing near.