Mic 5:2-4 | TNotes | STEP | 5:2 Ephrathah was the ancient name of Bethlehem (Gen 35:16 ; Ruth 4:11 ), David’s birthplace. In the future, an even more significant ruler than David would arise from there (Matt 2:5-6 ; John 7:42 ). The future king’s activities would stretch from the distant past (Hebrew qedem ; cp. Deut 33:27 ; Prov 8:22-23 ; Isa 37:26 ) into a still future time, suggesting a divine-human being.

a5:2►

bGen 35:16►

cRuth 4:11►

dMatt 2:5-6►

eJohn 7:42►

fDeut 33:27►

gProv 8:22-23►

hIsa 37:26►

i5:4-5►

jHag 2:20-23►

kIsa 9:6►

‏ Micah 5:2-4

5:2 ^a Ephrathah was the ancient name of Bethlehem (Gen 35:16 ^b; Ruth 4:11 ^c), David’s birthplace. In the future, an even more significant ruler than David would arise from there (Matt 2:5-6 ^d; John 7:42 ^e). The future king’s activities would stretch from the distant past (Hebrew qedem; cp. Deut 33:27 ^f; Prov 8:22-23 ^g; Isa 37:26 ^h) into a still future time, suggesting a divine-human being.
Summary for Mic 5:4-5: 5:4-5 ⁱ Following the Exile, Prince Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, was among the returned exiles and became the focus of Israel’s hopes (see Hag 2:20-23 ^j). But a greater ruler than Zerubbabel was needed. The leader from Bethlehem would be a source of peace; Isaiah called him the Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6 ^k). Only Jesus fits this description.