Micah 5:2
But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Matthew 2:1-6 records this prophecy's fulfillment. When wise men asked Herod where the King of the Jews was born, Jerusalem's chief priests and scribes immediately quoted Micah 5:2, identifying Bethlehem. Though written 700 years earlier, Micah's prophecy remained recognized Messianic expectation. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem for Caesar Augustus's census (Luke 2:1-7), providentially ensuring Jesus's birth in the prophesied location despite their residence in Nazareth.
The phrase "from everlasting" (mimei olam) is significant. In Hebrew thought, olam denotes indefinite past or future—often translated "eternal" though its precise meaning depends on context. Applied to God or divine attributes, it indicates true eternity. Micah's use here, combined with "goings forth" (plural), suggests the coming ruler's activity extends into immemorial past—He existed and acted before His human birth. This prepared for New Testament revelation of Christ's pre-existence and deity (John 1:1-3, 14; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:2-3).
Bethlehem's significance extends beyond geography. As David's birthplace, it connects Messiah to Davidic covenant promises (2 Samuel 7:12-16). David, though youngest son of an insignificant family, became Israel's greatest king. Jesus, born in David's town, fulfills and transcends Davidic kingship—He is David's greater son (Matthew 22:41-46) whose kingdom has no end (Luke 1:32-33).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's choice of insignificant Bethlehem reveal His values and purposes in contrast to human wisdom?
- What does Micah's prophecy of Messiah's eternal pre-existence teach about Jesus's identity and nature?
- How should fulfilled prophecy like Micah 5:2 strengthen our confidence in Scripture's divine inspiration and authority?
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse contains one of the Old Testament's clearest Messianic prophecies, precisely fulfilled in Jesus Christ's birth. "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah" identifies the specific location—not just Bethlehem ("house of bread") but Bethlehem Ephratah ("fruitful") to distinguish it from Bethlehem in Zebulon (Joshua 19:15). This small town six miles south of Jerusalem was David's birthplace (1 Samuel 17:12), making it significant in redemptive history as the royal city.
"Though thou be little among the thousands of Judah" acknowledges Bethlehem's insignificance—it wasn't a major city, military fortress, or administrative center. The phrase "thousands" (alafim) refers to clans or tribal divisions. Among Judah's family groups, Bethlehem ranked low in size, power, and prestige. This sets up divine reversal: God chooses the small, weak, and despised to accomplish His greatest purposes (1 Corinthians 1:27-29), humbling human pride and glorifying His sovereign grace.
"Yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me" prophesies the Messiah's emergence from this humble town. The pronoun "he" (li) is emphatic and singular, pointing to one specific individual—the ruler promised to David's line. "That is to be ruler in Israel" uses moshel (ruler, governor), indicating kingly authority. "Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting" (motsa'otav miqqedem mimei olam) is remarkable—this coming ruler existed before His earthly birth, from ancient times, even from eternity. This verse thus affirms both Messiah's human birth (in Bethlehem) and divine pre-existence (from everlasting)—a mystery fulfilled in Christ's incarnation.