The prophecy concerning the birthplace of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, is a significant aspect of biblical prophecy, highlighting the divine orchestration of His earthly arrival. This prophecy is primarily found in the Old Testament book of Micah and is fulfilled in the New Testament narratives of the Gospels.

Old Testament Prophecy

The prophecy regarding the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem is explicitly stated in Micah 5:2. The Berean Standard Bible renders this verse as follows: "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me one to be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." This prophecy, written approximately 700 years before the birth of Christ, identifies Bethlehem, a seemingly insignificant town in Judah, as the birthplace of the future ruler of Israel.

Bethlehem, also known as Bethlehem Ephrathah to distinguish it from another Bethlehem in the territory of Zebulun, holds historical significance as the city of David, Israel's second king. The prophecy in Micah underscores the continuity of God's covenantal promises, linking the Messiah to the Davidic line and the town of David's birth.

New Testament Fulfillment

The fulfillment of this prophecy is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In Matthew 2:1-6 , the narrative describes the visit of the Magi from the east, who come to Jerusalem seeking the "King of the Jews." Herod the Great, upon hearing this, consults the chief priests and scribes, who confirm the prophecy of Micah, stating, "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.'"

Luke 2:4-7 provides additional details, explaining how Joseph and Mary traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem due to a decree from Caesar Augustus that required a census. "So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the City of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. And she gave birth to her firstborn Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."

Significance

The prophecy and its fulfillment emphasize the sovereignty and faithfulness of God in orchestrating the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Despite the humble and obscure nature of Bethlehem, it was chosen as the birthplace of the Messiah, fulfilling the ancient prophecy and affirming Jesus' rightful claim as the promised ruler and shepherd of Israel. This event underscores the divine plan of salvation, as foretold by the prophets and realized in the person of Jesus Christ.Micah 5:2
But you, Bethlehem Ephratah, though you be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall he come forth to me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Fulfilled Prophecies of the Bible Bespeak the Omniscience of ...
... God, His Word was literally fulfilled by His Son being ... definite and distinct were
the Old Testament prophecies respecting the Birth of Christ, that the ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter five the fulfilled prophecies.htm

Translated from the Greek.
... composed) before the advent (of Christ) that the ... 2932] For if the judgment respecting
the "Jew ... Moreover, there are many prophecies which predict regarding ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from the greek.htm

Whosoever Confesses that one God is the Author of Both Testaments ...
... all that the prophets have declared respecting Christ and the ... wicked spirit, pretend
to utter prophecies, while all ... that particular working of Christ which was ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxiii whosoever confesses that one.htm

That the Scriptures are Divinely Inspired.
... again, makes a similar revelation respecting Jerusalem, saying ... of Paul as those of
Christ speaking in ... If, then, the prophecies delivered concerning Judea, and ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter i that the scriptures are.htm

[Endnotes]
... cap.9, Sec.3. See also some singular speculations respecting it in ... Acts 14:23; Litton's
"Church of Christ," p.595 ... by Mill in the Prolegomena to his New Testament ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

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