Matthew 2:6; Micah 5:1-4, Born in Bethlehem

This is a most amazing prophecy of Messiah.  First, let us establish the context in Micah.  Micah proclaimed coming judgment on Samaria and Jerusalem (Ch. 1-3).  Then he turns to the “latter days” and describes the magnificent Kingdom of Messiah (4:1-5).  Then he shows how the chastened nation gets to the place of triumph over the nations.  “In that day” (i.e. the day that leads to Messiah’s Kingdom) God will use the weak to do this (4:6-8).  At a time when Israel is not ruled by a Davidic king (4:9), is in Babylon (4:10), with many nations against her (4:11), nations that don’t understand what God is doing (4:12), at that time He will gather them (4:13).  While the nations are striking Israel (5:1) God will use an insignificant town, Bethlehem, to bring forth the One who will be ruler of Israel, Whose goings forth are from everlasting (5:2).

If you wonder whether the Jewish Rabbi’s considered this a Messianic prophecy you are in for some wonderful surprises. 

·        First, of course, Matthew indicates that the Jews of the day knew all about this prophecy (Mt. 2:3-6; cf. also John 7:42).  It is clearly Messianic as it speaks of a King who is Ruler in Israel, whose reign extends to the ends of the earth (5:4).

·        In addition, there is Rabbinic tradition concerning Migdal Eder, the “tower of the flock” (Micah 4:8).  The first reference to this tower (it may not have been a town but just a guard tower for the flocks of sheep in the area) is in Gen. 35:21, as being near Bethlehem and the place where Rachel died.  Tradition agrees that the flocks in this area, for one thing, were associated with the temple worship, for use with offerings and especially Passover.  That is a remarkable connection to “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”  The Mishnah also declares that this tower was to be the place where the Messiah would first be revealed, which of course fits perfectly with the story in Luke when the angels announced to the shepherds. (AE, p220f [A. Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah])

·        Furthermore, Micah 5:2 indicates the Messiah is the Lord Himself.  There is no other way to interpret the description, and that, of course, fits the truth about Jesus.  What is interesting is there were rabbis who recognized, from this passage that the Messiah had a “pre-existence.”  Again, this truth fits Jesus of Nazareth (Jn. 1:1-18).  (JFJ, p4f)

What a wonderful Savior we have in Jesus Christ.  Every facet of Micah’s prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus: the Everlasting One, born in Bethlehem, announced at Midgal Eder, the tower of the flock.