"Is the Spirit of the LORD restricted"
Text: Micah 2:7
JACOB TO ISRAEL
Jacob was the original name given at birth (Genesis 25). In time to come, God gave a new name to Jacob. That new name was “Israel” (Genesis 32:28). Jacob meant “heel grabber”. But Israel meant “a prince with God”. The names were used symbolically by the writing prophets.
“You who are named the house of Jacob:
‘Is the Spirit of the LORD restricted?
Are these His doings?
Do not My words do good
To him who walks uprightly?'”
Micah 2:7
1. “You who are named the house of Jacob”
a) This is a reference to the nation of Israel.
b) Whenever the name “Jacob” was used it carried negative connotations:
i) Treachery
ii) Cunning
iii) Self-will
iv) Sinfulness
2. “Is the Spirit of the LORD restricted”
a) This was the answer to those who tried to forbid Micah from preaching.
b) To curb the preaching of God’s word is like attempting to restrict the Spirit of the LORD.
c) That is an impossible task! No one can restrict the Spirit of the Lord in any way!
3. “Are these His doings”
a) Micah questioned those who opposed his preaching ministry.
b) Were they led by the Lord to stop Micah from proclaiming God’s word?
Of course not!
4. “Do not My words”
a) It wasn’t just Micah speaking to his foes.
b) The LORD Himself was now addressing the opponents to His word.
c) He takes up the defense of His servants whom He had sent.
5. “Do good to him who walks uprightly”
a) There was no reason to stop the preaching of God’s word.
b) God’s word had power to bless those who walk uprightly.
c) His glorious word would do good to the righteous.