A Great King from a Little Town

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Sunday - 930 Morning Worship - 1115 Sunday School | Wednesday - 7PM Prayer Meeting & Bible Study

by: Pastor David Huffstutler

12/05/2021

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Matthew 2:6 records the quotation of Micah 5:2 by the chief priests and scribes to inform King Herod that Israel’s Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. If we look at Micah 5:2 and its surrounding verses (Micah 5:1–5), we can see how this passage encouraged Israel then and encourages us today.

Jesus is greater than any earthly king (Micah 5:1–3). We remember that Micah prophesied during the reigns of Jotham (750–735 BC), Ahaz (735–715 BC), and Hezekiah (715–686 BC). (See Micah 1:1.) His contemporaries were Hosea and Isaiah. He told of a coming siege of Jerusalem in which her king would be tortured by her foe (Micah 5:1). This prophecy was fulfilled when Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem, captured King Zedekiah, and put out his eyes in 586 BC (2 Kings 25:1–7). God used Babylon to punish Judah for her idolatry and refusal to obey His Word. 

Though Micah said that this king would be struck down in such a way, Micah immediately promised that a Ruler would come for Israel, Someone from the little town of Bethlehem, and Someone eternal—from of old and from ancient days (Micah 5:2). He would end Israel’s travail, reunite His nation, and rule like no other (Micah 5:3–5). He would be greater than any earthly king.

Jesus gives security and peace (Micah 5:4–5). What Israel did not know is that Jesus would come twice. She killed her Savior when He came at first. He will come again to save Israel and rule the nation as Micah foretold. Until then, Micah describes Israel’s experience as a woman in labor (Micah 5:3). Presently, Jerusalem is being trampled (Luke 21:24) and Israel is hardened to God. (Romans 11:25). Israel will only know pain until giving birth to better times brought about by Christ’s return. 

These better times are marked by the Father’s majesty and strength as shown through the rule of Jesus Christ (Micah 5:4a). His rule means security for man to the ends of the earth (5:4b). Jesus will bring about perfect peace (Micah 5:5a; cf. Isaiah 9:6–7). 

These blessings that Jesus will give to Israel in the future are for us today as well. Jesus gives us security by promising us eternal life that no one can ever take away (John 10:28). He protects us from the greatest of enemies, even the devil himself (1 John 5:28). Likewise, thanks to His death on the cross for our sins, He has provided a means for us to be at peace with the Father (Ephesians 2:13–14). To have such peace, we need only to believe in Christ and the salvation that He provides for us (Romans 5:1). And, when Christ comes again, we will join Him in His rule over Israel and the world and experience all that is promised in Micah 5:1–5 (cf. Revelation 3:21). 

All quotes ESV.Articles by Pastor Huffstutler are at davidhuffstutler.com.

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Matthew 2:6 records the quotation of Micah 5:2 by the chief priests and scribes to inform King Herod that Israel’s Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. If we look at Micah 5:2 and its surrounding verses (Micah 5:1–5), we can see how this passage encouraged Israel then and encourages us today.

Jesus is greater than any earthly king (Micah 5:1–3). We remember that Micah prophesied during the reigns of Jotham (750–735 BC), Ahaz (735–715 BC), and Hezekiah (715–686 BC). (See Micah 1:1.) His contemporaries were Hosea and Isaiah. He told of a coming siege of Jerusalem in which her king would be tortured by her foe (Micah 5:1). This prophecy was fulfilled when Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem, captured King Zedekiah, and put out his eyes in 586 BC (2 Kings 25:1–7). God used Babylon to punish Judah for her idolatry and refusal to obey His Word. 

Though Micah said that this king would be struck down in such a way, Micah immediately promised that a Ruler would come for Israel, Someone from the little town of Bethlehem, and Someone eternal—from of old and from ancient days (Micah 5:2). He would end Israel’s travail, reunite His nation, and rule like no other (Micah 5:3–5). He would be greater than any earthly king.

Jesus gives security and peace (Micah 5:4–5). What Israel did not know is that Jesus would come twice. She killed her Savior when He came at first. He will come again to save Israel and rule the nation as Micah foretold. Until then, Micah describes Israel’s experience as a woman in labor (Micah 5:3). Presently, Jerusalem is being trampled (Luke 21:24) and Israel is hardened to God. (Romans 11:25). Israel will only know pain until giving birth to better times brought about by Christ’s return. 

These better times are marked by the Father’s majesty and strength as shown through the rule of Jesus Christ (Micah 5:4a). His rule means security for man to the ends of the earth (5:4b). Jesus will bring about perfect peace (Micah 5:5a; cf. Isaiah 9:6–7). 

These blessings that Jesus will give to Israel in the future are for us today as well. Jesus gives us security by promising us eternal life that no one can ever take away (John 10:28). He protects us from the greatest of enemies, even the devil himself (1 John 5:28). Likewise, thanks to His death on the cross for our sins, He has provided a means for us to be at peace with the Father (Ephesians 2:13–14). To have such peace, we need only to believe in Christ and the salvation that He provides for us (Romans 5:1). And, when Christ comes again, we will join Him in His rule over Israel and the world and experience all that is promised in Micah 5:1–5 (cf. Revelation 3:21). 

All quotes ESV.Articles by Pastor Huffstutler are at davidhuffstutler.com.

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