• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"All this is for the transgression of Jacob"

Text: Micah 1:5

THE FORBEARANCE OF GOD

God had been most forbearing with Israel. He had sent prophet after prophet to call Israel back to Himself. The most notable of prophets were Elijah and Elisha who were God’s mighty prophets in the idolatrous land of Israel (1 Kings 17- 2 Kings 8).

But while there were moments when the nation showed some remorse the people in the land returned to their idolatrous worship after the deaths of these mighty prophets!

TRANSGRESSION OF ISRAEL AND JUDAH

Micah sounded a grave warning to both nations. The sin of idolatry was also prevalent in Judah.

“All this is for the transgression of Jacob
And for the sins of the house of Israel.
What is the transgression of Jacob?
Is it not Samaria?
And what are the high places of Judah?
Are they not Jerusalem?”
Micah 1:5

1. “The transgression of Jacob”

This was a symbolic reference of Jacob, when he transgressed against his brother Esau (stealing his birthright and his blessing; Genesis 27).

2. “The sins of the house of Israel”

God was the One who gave Jacob a new name (Genesis 35:10).

a) To symbolize a new relationship.

b) A new beginning.

3. God would bless His people Israel

But now there were “the sins of the house of Israel” that had hindered the blessings of God from coming to the nation!

4. “What is the transgression of Jacob? Is it not Samaria?”

a) Samaria was the capital of the nation of Israel, the northern kingdom.

b) It was also the capital of:

i) Idolatry

ii) Wickedness

iii) Injustice

iv) Pride (arrogance)

5. “And what are the high places of Judah? Are they not Jerusalem?”

a) High places were where special shrines and temple were located.

b) Many believed that mighty deities lived in these high places.

c) Jerusalem was itself located in a high place (geographically; Psalm 48).

d) But because there were high places, shrines were also erected there for idolatrous worship.