Mat 2:6 | TNotes | STEP | 2:6 Bethlehem , a small village, had a privileged status as the birthplace of King David. The religious leaders knew from the prophets (1:22 ) that the Messiah would be born there. • King David had been a shepherd in his youth, and as king he became the shepherd of Israel (2 Sam 5:2 ). Micah 5:2-4 foresees the Messiah as a shepherd (cp. Ps 23:1 ).

c2 Sam 5:2►

dMicah 5:2-4►

ePs 23:1►

‏ Matthew 2:6

2:6 ^a Bethlehem, a small village, had a privileged status as the birthplace of King David. The religious leaders knew from the prophets (1:22 ^b) that the Messiah would be born there.

• King David had been a shepherd in his youth, and as king he became the shepherd of Israel (2 Sam 5:2 ^c). Micah 5:2-4 ^d foresees the Messiah as a shepherd (cp. Ps 23:1 ^e).