Micah 5:2

KJV

But thou, Bethlehem 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But thou, Bethlehem {H1035} Ephratah {H672}, though thou be little {H6810} among the thousands {H505} of Judah {H3063}, yet out of thee shall he come forth {H3318} unto me that is to be ruler {H4910} in Israel {H3478}; whose goings forth {H4163} have been from of old {H6924}, from everlasting {H3117}{H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But you, Beit-Lechem near Efrat, so small among the clans of Y'hudah, out of you will come forth to me the future ruler of Isra'el, whose origins are far in the past, back in ancient times.

Berean Standard Bible

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel— One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.

American Standard Version

But thou, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 5:2 is a pivotal Old Testament prophecy declaring that from the seemingly insignificant town of Bethlehem Ephratah, a divine and eternal ruler would emerge to shepherd Israel. This verse not only pinpoints the Messiah's humble birthplace but also profoundly reveals His pre-existence and eternal nature, establishing Him as far more than a mere human king, but one whose origins transcend time itself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 5:2 stands as a beacon of hope within a section of Micah's prophecy that oscillates between pronouncements of judgment and promises of restoration. Chapters 1-3 detail God's indictment against Judah and Israel for their idolatry, injustice, and corrupt leadership, culminating in the prophecy of Jerusalem's destruction and the exile (e.g., [Micah 3:12](/micah/3-12 "Micah 3:12 - Jerusalem's Destruction")). Chapter 4 then shifts to a glorious vision of future restoration, where Zion will be exalted and peace will reign. However, this hopeful vision is immediately followed by a stark portrayal of present distress in [Micah 4:9-10](/micah/4-9-10 "Micah 4:9-10 - The Anguish of Zion"), where Jerusalem is depicted as a woman in labor, facing siege and exile to Babylon. It is directly out of this context of national humiliation and despair that the promise of a deliverer in [Micah 5:1-5](/micah/5-1-5 "Micah 5:1-5 - The Coming Ruler from Bethlehem") arises, offering a specific, tangible hope for a future shepherd-king who will bring true peace and security.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Micah ministered in Judah during the tumultuous 8th century BC, spanning the reigns of Kings Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. This period was marked by significant political instability and moral decline, with the looming threat of the Assyrian Empire, which had already conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BC. Judah itself faced invasion and siege, particularly during Sennacherib's campaign against Hezekiah. Culturally, the people had largely abandoned the covenant with Yahweh, engaging in idolatry, social injustice, and oppression of the poor. Bethlehem, known as "Bethlehem Ephratah," was a small, agricultural village, distinct from larger cities like Jerusalem. Its historical significance lay in its association with David, Israel's greatest king ([1 Samuel 17:12](/1_samuel/17-12 "1 Samuel 17:12 - David's Bethlehem Origin")), and as the burial place of Rachel ([Genesis 35:19](/genesis/35-19 "Genesis 35:19 - Rachel's Burial near Bethlehem")). The phrase "thousands of Judah" refers to the administrative or military divisions, or perhaps clans, within the tribe of Judah, underscoring Bethlehem's relative insignificance in terms of population or political power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological themes within Micah and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **God's Sovereign Choice**, demonstrating His tendency to work through humble and unexpected means. Despite Bethlehem's small stature, it is chosen as the birthplace of the ultimate ruler, echoing God's choice of David, the youngest son, from the same town. Secondly, it is a cornerstone of **Messianic Prophecy**, providing a precise geographical and ontological identifier for the promised deliverer. Its direct fulfillment in the birth of Jesus Christ is explicitly noted in the New Testament, solidifying its prophetic authority (e.g., [Matthew 2:4-6](/matthew/2-4-6 "Matthew 2:4-6 - The Prophecy of Bethlehem")). Thirdly, and perhaps most profoundly, the verse emphasizes the **Eternal Nature of the Ruler**. The declaration that "whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting" transcends any mere human lineage, pointing to the pre-existence and divine origin of this coming king. This theme of the Messiah's divinity and eternal being is a crucial thread woven throughout biblical revelation, from the wisdom literature to the New Testament's portrayal of Christ (e.g., [Proverbs 8:22-31](/proverbs/8-22-31 "Proverbs 8:22-31 - Wisdom's Pre-existence") and [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word's Eternal Nature")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bethlehem (Hebrew, _Bêyth Lechem'_):** Derived from "house" and "bread," meaning "house of bread." This name is deeply symbolic, as Bethlehem, despite its small size, would become the birthplace of the "Bread of Life." The addition of "Ephratah" (Hebrew, _ʼEphrâth'_), meaning "fruitfulness," further grounds the prophecy in a specific, ancient location, distinguishing it from other places and linking it to the historical lineage of Judah and David.
* **come forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to go out, bring forth, proceed." In this context, it signifies the emergence or birth of the ruler. The use of this verb, combined with the subsequent phrase about "goings forth," creates a powerful interplay between the physical birth in Bethlehem and the eternal procession of the ruler.
* **everlasting (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_)::** This word denotes "time out of mind," "the vanishing point," or "eternity." It refers to a period of indefinite duration, often extending into the distant past or future. When paired with "from of old" (Hebrew, _qedem'_), which means "antiquity" or "before," it emphatically declares the pre-existence and eternal nature of the coming ruler, indicating an origin that transcends historical time and human lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes a striking contrast. Bethlehem Ephratah, a small, seemingly insignificant village, is singled out from the larger "thousands" (clans or administrative units) of the tribe of Judah. The phrase highlights its humble status, setting the stage for God's unexpected choice. It underscores that God often works through the overlooked and the lowly, demonstrating His power and wisdom in ways that defy human expectations.
* **"yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel;"**: Despite its smallness, Bethlehem is designated as the precise place from which the promised ruler will "come forth." The phrase "unto me" emphasizes that this ruler's emergence is part of God's sovereign plan and for His divine purposes. This ruler is identified as the one "to be ruler in Israel," signifying a king who will exercise true, righteous dominion over God's people, a stark contrast to the failed leadership often seen in Micah's day. This is a direct Messianic promise, pointing to the Davidic king who would ultimately restore Israel.
* **"whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."**: This is the most profound and theologically rich part of the verse. The "goings forth" (Hebrew, _môwtsâʼâh'_) refer not merely to a lineage or a historical origin, but to the very essence and existence of this ruler. The dual temporal markers, "from of old" (Hebrew, _qedem'_, indicating deep antiquity) and "from everlasting" (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_, signifying eternity), emphatically declare the pre-existence and eternal nature of this ruler. He is not merely a human king born in time, but one whose being transcends creation, having existed eternally with God. This divine attribute sets Him apart from all other human leaders and points directly to the divine nature of the Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 5:2 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, specifically between the humble, "little" town of Bethlehem and the eternal, majestic nature of the "ruler" who will emerge from it. This juxtaposition highlights God's unexpected methods and His ability to bring forth greatness from obscurity, a theme pervasive throughout Scripture. The verse is also a powerful example of **Prophecy**, a direct divine foretelling of future events, specifically the birthplace and nature of the Messiah. The phrase "whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting" uses **Hyperbole** and **Merism** (using two extremes, "of old" and "everlasting," to convey totality) to emphasize the boundless, eternal nature of the ruler, transcending human comprehension of time. Furthermore, the selection of Bethlehem itself carries **Symbolism**, representing not only the historical lineage of David but also the humble and often overlooked origins from which God's greatest works emerge.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 5:2 is a cornerstone of Messianic prophecy, uniquely bridging the Messiah's humble human origin with His profound divine pre-existence. It underscores the paradox of the Incarnation: the eternal God entering human history in a specific, tangible way. This prophecy affirms God's meticulous sovereignty, demonstrating His perfect plan unfolding through seemingly insignificant details, such as the birthplace of His Son. It also highlights the reliability of God's Word, as this precise prophecy, given centuries before, found its exact fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "goings forth from everlasting" speak to the very nature of God, who is outside of time, yet steps into it to redeem humanity, revealing the Messiah as not just a human king, but the divine Son.

* [Matthew 2:4-6](/matthew/2-4-6 "Matthew 2:4-6 - The Magi and the Prophecy of Bethlehem")
* [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Eternal Word")
* [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prophecy of the Wonderful Counselor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 5:2 offers profound insights that resonate deeply with believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereign plan, which often unfolds in ways that defy human expectation and logic. Just as God chose a small, unremarkable village to be the birthplace of the world's greatest King, He often uses the humble, the overlooked, and the seemingly insignificant among us to accomplish His grand purposes. This should encourage us not to despise "small beginnings" in our own lives or ministries, nor to overlook the potential God sees in those the world dismisses. Furthermore, the precise fulfillment of this ancient prophecy centuries later strengthens our faith in the absolute trustworthiness and divine inspiration of Scripture. It assures us that God's promises are true and His Word is reliable, providing a solid foundation for our hope and trust. Finally, contemplating the dual nature of the Messiah—born in Bethlehem yet "whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting"—deepens our worship and appreciation for Jesus Christ. He is fully human, relatable in our struggles, yet fully divine, possessing eternal power and authority, making Him uniquely qualified to be our Savior and Lord. This understanding should inspire us to live lives of greater devotion and obedience to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the contrast between Bethlehem's smallness and the Ruler's eternal nature challenge your perceptions of where God works and through whom He chooses to act?**
* **What does the precise fulfillment of this prophecy in Jesus' birth teach you about the reliability of God's Word and His overarching plan for history?**
* **How does understanding the Messiah's pre-existence and eternal "goings forth" deepen your worship and appreciation for Jesus Christ's identity and sacrifice?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be overlooking "small beginnings" or "insignificant" people through whom God might be working?**

### FAQ
**Why is Bethlehem Ephratah specified, rather than just Bethlehem?**

Answer: The addition of "Ephratah" serves to distinguish this Bethlehem (Bethlehem-Judah) from other places that might have shared the name, ensuring clarity. More importantly, "Ephratah" was an ancient name for the region around Bethlehem, linking the prophecy to its deep historical roots and tribal connections within Judah. It also carries the connotation of "fruitfulness," which is fitting for the place from which the ultimate "fruit" of God's promise, the Messiah, would emerge. This specific designation grounds the prophecy in a precise geographical and historical context, leaving no ambiguity about the Messiah's birthplace.

**What does "little among the thousands of Judah" mean?**

Answer: "Thousands" (Hebrew, _ʼeleph'_) in this context refers not necessarily to population size, but to the administrative, military, or familial divisions within a tribe. It could denote a clan, a military unit, or a subdivision of a tribe. Therefore, "little among the thousands of Judah" signifies Bethlehem's humble status as a relatively minor or insignificant clan-center or administrative unit compared to the larger, more prominent cities and divisions within the tribe of Judah. It emphasizes its lack of political or military prominence, making God's choice of it even more striking.

**How does "whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting" refer to Jesus?**

Answer: This phrase is a profound declaration of the Messiah's pre-existence and eternal nature, directly pointing to Jesus Christ. "From of old" (Hebrew, _qedem'_) speaks of deep antiquity, from the very beginning of time or before. "From everlasting" (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_) intensifies this, referring to eternity, without beginning or end. Together, these phrases assert that the "goings forth" (existence, origin, or procession) of this Ruler are not confined to His birth in Bethlehem or any point in human history, but extend into eternity past. This attributes a divine quality to the Messiah, affirming that He is not merely a human king but the eternal Son of God, who existed with the Father before creation, as revealed in passages like [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word was God") and [Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ's Pre-eminence").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 5:2 stands as one of the most remarkable and precise prophecies fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, unequivocally establishing His unique identity as both fully human and fully divine. The prophecy's declaration that the ruler would "come forth" from Bethlehem Ephratah was literally fulfilled when Mary gave birth to Jesus in that very town, as recorded in [Luke 2:4-7](/luke/2-4-7 "Luke 2:4-7 - Jesus' Birth in Bethlehem"). This specific detail was so well-known that even the chief priests and scribes could cite it to King Herod when asked where the Christ was to be born, directly quoting Micah 5:2 in [Matthew 2:4-6](/matthew/2-4-6 "Matthew 2:4-6 - The Prophecy Cited to Herod"). Beyond His humble birthplace, the most profound Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the phrase "whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." This is a clear testament to Jesus' pre-existence and eternal divinity, affirming that He is not merely a descendant of David or a great human leader, but the eternal Son of God. The New Testament consistently testifies to this truth, proclaiming Jesus as the Word who was "in the beginning with God, and the Word was God" ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Eternal Word")), through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). He is the one who declared, "Before Abraham was, I am" ([John 8:58](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Jesus' Claim to Eternity")), echoing the divine name. Thus, Micah 5:2 perfectly encapsulates the mystery of the Incarnation: the eternal God, the Ancient of Days, stepping into human history through a humble birth in a small town, to become the true Shepherd-King of Israel and the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 2:6

And thou Bethlehem, [in] the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

John 7:42

Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?

Luke 1:31

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

Luke 1:33

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 11:1

¶ And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: