The content of Micah’s book is not familiar to most people, but if there is any part of the book they will recognize, it is likely to be the prophecy of Micah 5, which foretells the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ in Bethlehem (v 2). In the previous chapter, “the daughter of Zion” was pictured as being in labor, ready to give birth to a new age (4:9-10). Now the prophet looks ahead to “the time when she who was in labor has given birth.” Her son will be “ruler in Israel” (v 2), but He will not be a tyrant. Neither will He be unsteady and weak, as so many of the kings who preceded Him. Rather, “He shall stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD,” leading with gentleness and compassion. His reign will display “the majesty of the name of the LORD His God,” as He not only restores Israel’s “former dominion” (4:8), but extends it “to the ends of the earth.” Gentile believers will be included in Messiah’s family, as “the rest of His brothers” join with the believing remnant of Israel. And the secure peace already envisioned (4:3-4) will be ushered in through the coming reign of this great King, for “He shall be their peace” (v 3-5a). Micah is writing at a time of national crisis, when King Sennacherib of Assyria was invading the land of Judah in 701 BC. Jerusalem was almost overthrown, but God would providentially protect the city (4:11-13; 5:5b-6). Deliverance comes when the Jews turn to the LORD in repentance, under King Hezekiah and the prophetic ministries of Isaiah and Micah himself (see comments on chapter 1). But as he writes, the situation is desperate. Hezekiah is struck on the cheek with an Assyrian rod, humiliated and unable to defend himself (v 1). By God’s grace, the Davidic dynasty will survive, and He will protect His people from enemies within and without (v 7-15). At some point in the future, a ruler shall emerge from the district of Ephrathah (meaning, “fruitful”), in the small and insignificant village of Bethlehem (meaning, “house of bread”). This is the hometown of King David, who received the divine promise of a kingdom that would never end. The origins of this ruler shall be “from of old, from ancient days.” Christ Jesus, with an eternal past, entered this world from the womb of Mary, who was engaged to Joseph. Both were descendants of David, but since they lived in Nazareth, not Bethlehem, God arranged international affairs to ensure that she delivered this Child according to Micah’s prophecy, made seven centuries in advance! When the magi arrive in Herod’s court to inquire of His birth, religious leaders quote this very passage to settle the matter: the Messiah was to be born in the city of Bethlehem. All hail, King Jesus! (v 2). For further meditation: