“Why Bethlehem?”

“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” Micah 5:2 NASB 95

It is not uncommon to ask a new acquaintance where they were born. Knowing where someone is born can often help you understand more about a person. Many historical figures have birthplaces that hold significance. For example, Vinci is the birthplace of the renowned Renaissance polymath Leonardo da Vinci. His birthplace is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. The birthplace of Jesus is no different in its significance.

Birthplace of the King

In Matthew 2:6, we learn that Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in the land of Judah. The place of Jesus’ birth was significant for several reasons, one of which is the fulfillment of Micah 5:2. The prophet Micah told the specific location of the birth of the Messiah centuries beforehand (approximately 700 B.C.). The prophecy is so specific that he uses Bethlehem “Ephrathah” to distinguish between two “Bethlehems” that existed. Bethlehem Ephrathah was a very small town about five miles south of Jerusalem. It is the place where we find the story of Ruth (Ruth 1:1, 4:11) as well as the birthplace of King David (1 Samuel 16:1, 4). It was certainly not a place we would think that God’s Son would be born.

“Compared to Jerusalem with its magnificent buildings (3:10), Bethlehem is characterized as“small” (cf. the Christmas carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem”). This probably applies to both size and significance. Yet in spite of its relative insignificance, this birthplace of David (1 Sam 16:1, 18; 17:12) would also become the birthplace of his greatest descendant, the Messiah (Matt 2:1–8; cf.John 7:42)."[1]

“The most significant place would bring forth the most significant person.”[2]

It is interesting to note that the Messiah being born in Bethlehem of Ephrathah(Judea) was a common understanding in the days of Jesus. In John 7:42, we read that despite various opinions about Jesus, one thing that was agreed upon was that “the Christ comes from Bethlehem, the village of David.” In order to qualify to be the Messiah, the birthplace must be Bethlehem, the city of King David.

“But the angels said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 NASB 95

God’s Word –Fulfilled with Precision

Christmas is a good time to remember the many prophecies that were literally fulfilled related to the birth of Jesus. Such is the case with Micah 5:2. Just like other prophecies in the Bible, we can learn many important truths from studying them.

Jesus’birthplace reminds us that He is the Son of David as well as the great Kingprophesied centuries beforehand. We can always trust God’s Word to be true and that it will be fulfilled with exact precision. Of course, God fulfills in His own perfect time. Finally, it reminds us that the Lord’s ways are much different than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). Far away from the big city of Jerusalem, a small, insignificant place would bring forth the Savior of the world.

“We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.” 1 John4:14 NASB 95

[1] KennethL. Barker. The New American Commentary – Volume 20, pg. 96.  

[2]Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible, Micah.

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