Micah 5:2

“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days” (Micah 5:2).

That’s the best news in the book! From Bethlehem near Jerusalem, and from the tribe of Judah, will come a ruler in Israel! He shall come forth from eternity, from the ancient days. 

This description should draw our attention to Daniel’s use of similar language. Particularly, “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed” (Daniel‬ ‭7‬:‭13‬-‭14‬)

The Ancient of Days is a reference to God (Father). So, God sent one – like a son of man – who had been given an eternal kingdom. 

Combining Micah and Daniel, we should be on the lookout for this special one to come forth at Bethlehem near Jerusalem. Since we didn’t see that occur in the OT, we should look in the NT to see if it happened there. 

John 1:1 might be helpful because John mentions one who was in the beginning. His name is Jesus. But while John connects Jesus to eternity, John doesn’t tell us where this eternal one – Jesus – came into flesh. We need to keep looking. 

Luke 1:31-33 is helpful as it records the angel Gabriel’s words to a virgin named Mary. “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭31‬-‭33‬).

Note what Gabriel says about this child: 

1) He will be called the Son of the Most High, which is a reference to Daniel’s Ancient of Days (also mentioned in Micah). 

2) He will receive the throne of David. This reflects the eternal kingdom language of Daniel. However, was David’s throne eternal? According to 2 Samuel 7:16, yes! “And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’” ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭7‬:‭16‬)

All of that is great, but Micah says this special one will come forth from Bethlehem! If we keep reading Luke, we find the Bethlehem we are looking for.

“This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth” (Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬-‭6‬).

Wow! Micah 5:2 connects directly to Luke 2, but gets there by way of 2 Samuel 7 and Daniel 7.

Father, please help my heart to hunger for your word. Help me to mine for the treasure that lies within. Amen.