“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.” (Micah 5:2)
The prophecy in Micah 5:2 is one of the clearest pictures of God’s plan for the coming of Jesus Christ. It foretells that Bethlehem, a humble little town, would be the birthplace of our Savior. Bethlehem wasn’t a city of power or prestige. It was just a small dot on the map, overshadowed by larger and more prominent cities. Yet, God chose this simple place for the most extraordinary event in history—the birth of His Son.
When the wise men came seeking the newborn King, they were directed by the scribes to this very prophecy. In Matthew 2:5-6, we read, “And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 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.” The prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus, the King of Kings, was born in a stable in Bethlehem.
Jesus’ entrance into the world was quiet and humble, but Micah’s prophecy reminds us that His existence didn’t begin in Bethlehem. The verse says, “whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” While a child was born into the world that night, a Son was given—one who has always been. Jesus is eternal. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 1:8). He didn’t begin in Bethlehem; He came to Bethlehem. He left the glory of heaven to take on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7).
But how could a baby, born in such humble circumstances, be a ruler? Throughout His earthly life, Jesus lived as a meek and lowly servant. Isaiah 53 tells us He had “no form nor comeliness” that people should desire Him. He wasn’t born into royalty or wealth, and He never sought power or fame. Yet, Micah proclaims Him as the ruler in Israel.
The answer is found in the fullness of God’s plan. Jesus came first as a suffering servant, but He is coming again as a conquering King. Revelation 19:11-16 describes His return: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war… And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
When Jesus returns, He will no longer come in humility, but in glory. The same child born in Bethlehem, who walked the earth as a servant, will return to rule and reign over all creation. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). He will establish His kingdom, and there will be no end to His reign.
The prophecy in Micah 5:2 points us to the full picture of who Jesus is. He is the eternal Son of God, the humble Savior, and the coming King. Bethlehem reminds us of His humility, but His return will remind us of His power and majesty.
As we reflect on this verse, we see the wonder of God’s plan. He used the least likely place to bring forth the greatest gift. He sent His Son, not in splendor, but in humility, to show us the way of salvation. And though Jesus came first as a servant, He will return as the ruler, fulfilling every promise and prophecy.
The question for us is simple: Are we ready for His return? Are we saved? Do we know Him?
Furthermore, do we follow Him? Do we seek to honor Him?
Just as Bethlehem was chosen to welcome Him the first time, our hearts must be ready to welcome Him when He comes again. Will we recognize Him as King and bow before Him now, or will we wait until that day when every knee will bow?
Bethlehem reminds us of His humble beginning, but Revelation points us to His glorious return. Let’s prepare our hearts to worship Him as both Savior and King.
