Scripture
Micah 5:2
Micah promises a ruler from Bethlehem whose origins are from ancient days.
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.
Bethlehem and ancient origins
Micah links the promised ruler to Bethlehem while speaking of origins that reach back beyond ordinary royal ancestry.
Where this passage comes up
- The New Testament misuses the Hebrew BibleSome citations fail as predictions. Read as the pattern-reading Jewish interpreters also practiced, they make a different claim, one you can test against the Hebrew.
- Jesus and messianic prophecyIsolated proof texts do not settle the question. A pattern of suffering and reign runs through Isaiah, Zechariah, Daniel, Micah, and the Psalms.