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Micah 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 old, from everlasting.”

(The fourth post in a series showing prophecies about the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.)

Bethlehem already has a rich history by the time Micah speaks this prophecy.  Caravans of travelers have passed through this Canaanite settlement.  As a result, it has become a “melting pot” for different cultures and people.  It also a city rich in Jewish history.  Both Saul and David were born there (It is also known as the city of David.).  Jacob buried his wife Rachel there and it is where Ruth and Boaz lived. 

It is in Bethlehem, located within the territory assigned the tribe of Judah that the prophet Micah would prophesy that a Ruler of Israel would come to fulfill the promises of God to His people.  What does Micah mean the One “whose goings are from old, from everlasting”?  Micah is stating that the One has His origin in eternity (John 1:1, “In the beginning was the word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”).

Micah’s prophecy was fulfilled in Matthew 2:4-6.  “Joseph went up from Galilee, out of the city Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.”

"O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight."

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