Interpretation of the Bible / Micah 5:2

Bethlehem was a small town located about 10 km south of Jerusalem. Ephrathah was a rural area near Bethlehem. The phrase "Bethlehem Ephrathah" refers to the specific location where the Redeemer was to be born.

It is notable that Micah does not mention any other major city, such as Jerusalem, as the birthplace of the messiah. Instead, a humble and remote location is given. This reflects the central message of his prophecy: God reveals himself through the small, the weak, and the vulnerable.

Micah 5:2 was quoted by the wise men who were looking for the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. In Matthew 2:5-6 we read, “And they said to him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” This quote shows that the Jews themselves considered Micah 5:2 to be a messianic prophecy.

It is also interesting to note that the wise men were foreigners, not Jews, but they knew the Hebrew Scriptures and were looking for the Messiah. This indicates that God’s salvation is not limited to a particular people or culture, but is open to all.