Micah 5:2-5

 Jesus came and conquered the sins of the world. 

It is time to walk in His name, doing good, awaiting His physical return. Trust Holy Spirit to do what we cannot.

Micah 5:2-5

2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,

Yet out of you shall come forth to Me

The One to be Ruler in Israel,

Whose goings forth are from of old,

From everlasting.”

3 Therefore He shall give them up,

Until the time that she who is in labor has given birth;

Then the remnant of His brethren

Shall return to the children of Israel.

4 And He shall stand and feed His flock

In the strength of the Lord,

In the majesty of the name of the Lord His God;

And they shall abide,

For now He shall be great

To the ends of the earth;

5 And this One shall be peace.

Bethlehem  was a very small village at the time of Micah, with a population of only a few hundred. Bethlehem (“house of bread”) Ephrathah (“fruitful”) is located five miles south of Jerusalem in the Judaean hill country. The region is known as Ephrath, hence the secondary designation. Bethlehem Ephrathah was the birthplace of David and Jesus. Bethlehem was located in the territory given to the tribe of Judah; however, it was not significant enough to be listed among the cities of Judah when the land was divided in the time of Joshua.

The Messiah existed from the beginning of time. Micah claims this Messiah, who existed from old, will shepherd the people of Israel and judge between people and nations.

Judah is in birth pains for a purpose: The Israelites, God’s people, might be scattered around the world, but the Messiah will come forth from them. After a period of anguish, the Messiah will gather and lead God’s people. The Gospel of Matthew draws on this passage to describe Jesus’ birth, apparently to connect the birth pains of the nation and the difficulty of Mary’s pregnancy. All of these struggles result in the joy and reign of Jesus.

The role of the ideal shepherd caring for the flock of Israel is taken on by Yahweh Himself in prophetic depictions of divine restoration. The Messiah also takes on the role of the ideal shepherd, representing Yahweh as the ideal Davidic ruler. Jesus uses this imagery to emphasize His perfect fusion of both God as Shepherd and Messiah as Shepherd. All the nations of the earth will submit to the Messiah’s authority. The Messiah’s reign will be characterized by peace. Faithlife Bible.

This prophecy figures significantly in the NT story of the visit of the wise men to the Christ child. Governments would be overturned to make it necessary for Mary while still pregnant to make the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. The birth of this Savior King would be unlike the birth of any other, because He was preexistent. He is from everlasting.

The future of Israel is pictured here in terms of the birth, life, and ministry of the Savior King. The two advents of the Savior are seen as one event by Micah. The metaphor refers to the deliverance in the end time of those who will be able to delight in the coming of God’s kingdom. This minority will never be forgotten by the Lord.

This One is the Prince of Peace. 

The principal threat against Israel and Judah at the time of Micah was Assyria. Micah used the nation as a symbol of all of Israel’s enemies and of God’s final victory over each of them. NKJ Bible.

Christ’s government shall be very happy for his subjects; they shall be safe and easy. Under the shadow of protection from the Assyrians, is a promise of protection to the gospel church and all believers, from the designs and attempts of the powers of darkness. Christ is our Peace as a Priest, making atonement for sin, and reconciling us to God; and he is our Peace as a King, conquering our enemies: hence our souls may dwell at ease in him. Christ will find instruments to protect and deliver. Those that threaten ruin to the church of God, soon bring ruin on themselves. This may include the past powerful effects of the preached gospel, its future spread, and the ruin of all antichristian powers. This is, perhaps, the most important single prophecy in the Old Testament: it respects the personal character of the Messiah, and the discoveries of himself to the world. It distinguishes his human birth from his existing from eternity; it foretells the rejection of the Israelites and Jews for a season, their final restoration, and the universal peace to prevail through the whole earth in the latter days. In the mean time let us trust our Shepherd’s care and power. If he permits the assault of our enemies, he will supply helpers and assistance for us. Matthew Henry.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born,Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 11:1 There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.

Zechariah 9:10 I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem; the battle bow shall be cut off. He shall speak peace to the nations; His dominion shall be ‘from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.’

Matthew 2:6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”