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."

This prophecy is mind-boggling.  Given some 700 years before the virgin birth of Jesus Christ in the town of Beth-lehem.  God put a nation of people on the move by a decree from Caesar Augustus (Read Luke 2:1-7).  And this prophecy came to pass when Mary "… brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."  Yes, the prophet Micah, prophesied the birth of Jesus in Beth-lehem, while proclaiming His eternal existence in eternity past.   

Micah speaks of the kingdom Jesus will lead as the rightful monarch of Israel.  The Pulpit Commentary reads, "At the time of Zion's deepest distress, and when her earthly king is suffering the grossest degradation, reduced as it were to the shepherd house at Bethlehem, a Deliverer shall arise thence who shall do wonderful things. This passage was quoted by the Sanhedrin to answer Herod's question where the Christ was to be born (Matthew 2:5, 6; comp. John 7:42). But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah. Ephratah (Ephrathah, or Ephrath), "fruitfulness," is another name for Bethlehem, "House of Bread" (Genesis 35:19; 1 Samuel 17:12; Ruth 1:2); from its position it is also called Bethlehem Judah (Judges 17:7), being situated in the tribal lot of Judah, about five miles south of Jerusalem, and thus distinguished from a town of the same name in Zebulun(Joshua 19:15).  In spite of its insignificance, this birthplace of David shall be the birthplace of the Messiah. "Shall come forth" is spoken sometimes of birth and descent, as in Genesis 17:6 and Genesis 35:11; at other times it contains merely the notion of proceeding from, as in Jeremiah 30:21. In the present ease, both ideas are suitable. Unto me (Jehovah is speaking). To my praise and glory, to do my will. Micah by these words would recall the announcement concerning David made to Samuel, "I have provided me a king" (1 Samuel 16:1), and thus show the typical relation of David to the Messiah (Keil)."  

May we rejoice in the birth of our Saviour in Beth-lehem, and may we rejoice in His eternal existence as the Alpha and Omega.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. What does the eternality of God mean to you? Why is this fact important?

2. How does Micah’s prophecy concerning Jesus birth 700 years before it happened impact your confidence in Jesus and the Word of God?