Monday 8 September 2025
But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. (v. 2)
Background
This prophetic oracle comes from the Old Testament book of Micah associated with the 8th century prophet by that name. Many scholars, however, argue that the text within which this passage comes – Micah 4:1–5:15 – was added in the post-exilic period, which began in around 538 BC. Whatever the precise date, the text prophesies a messianic figure who will come to heal Israel’s woes.
While a little obscure, the first verse depicts foreign nations surrounding or oppressing Jerusalem. The image of an enemy striking the ‘ruler of Israel’ may allude to Jehoiachin’s exile to Babylon (2 Kings 24:8-16). The ruler of God’s people – and the nation as a whole – is oppressed, requiring deliverance.
The passage next moves into a prophecy of a coming ruler, a messianic figure from the line of David. Significantly, the ruler will come from a humble place – Bethlehem, a town traditionally associated with David (verse 2; cf 1 Samuel 16:1). The ‘origin’ of the ruler, however is ‘from of old, from ancient days’, perhaps alluding to God’s plan that one day the ruler would be sent to redeem God’s people. While also a difficult text, the image of one in ‘labour’ (verse 3) is probably an image of the nation’s suffering; at the end of such suffering, the ruler will emerge and restore God’s people.
The final verse depicts the ruler as a shepherd feeding his flock (verse 4). This shepherd also brings security, protecting the flock from enemies. This is a picture of comfort and draws on other biblical images of God as shepherd (Psalm 23).
In the New Testament, Jesus is seen as the fulfilment of this prophetic oracle; he is the one born humbly in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:6); he is the ‘good shepherd’ who rules and redeems his people (John 10:1-21); he is the one who bring restoration to God’s people, both Jew and non-Jew (Romans 15:7-13).
To Ponder:
- In what ways do you experience Jesus as a ‘good shepherd’?
- How have you seen God at work through unexpected circumstances?
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Ed Mackenzie
Ed Mackenzie works at Cliff College as the Programme Lead for the BA in Theology and Mission, and lectures in New Testament Studies and Biblical Theology.