Micah 5:2 - Homiletics

Bethlehem Ephratah.

I. THE NAME OF THE PLACE IS VERY SUGGESTIVE . Bethlehem; i.e. "House of bread." Ephratah; i.e. " Fruitfulness. " Both thus signified plenty, abundance, fertility. They were most appropriate as designating the spot, for fertility has been and is still characteristic of that locality. "It is now a large village, beautifully situated on the brow of a high hill, which commands an extensive view of the surrounding mountainous country, and rises in parterres of vineyards, almond groves, and fig plantations, watered by gentle rivulets that murmur through the terraces; and is diversified by towers and wine presses". The place in its rich fruitfulness was symbolical of that spiritual abundance which should be secured to the world by him who is "the Bread of life" ( John 6:33-35 ), and the seed corn to fall into the ground and die, and thus to bring forth much fruit ( John 12:24 ).

II. THE LOWLINESS OF THE PLACE IS ALSO SUGGESTIVE . From Numbers 1:5-16 and Numbers 10:4 we learn that each of the tribes of Israel had its thousands of fighting men, each thousand having its appointed leader; whilst from the Book of Joshua we gather that this appointment was continued after the settlement of Canaan ( Joshua 22:21 , Joshua 22:30 ). So insignificant, however, was Bethlehem that it could make but a small contribution towards this arrangement, and hence was "least among the thousands of Judah." Yet upon this lowly place honour was to be conferred in the birth there of the world's Redeemer. The small was to become great, and the mean exalted. Around its plains the glory of the Lord should shine, and the songs of angels should resound, chanting the natal song, "Glory to God in the highest," etc. ( Luke 2:14 ). And if a humble village through its connection with the Christ of God became thus exalted, much more surely shall human hearts and lives. Associated with him, they who, judged by the world's standards, are accounted mean and despicable, secure to themselves present dignity and eternal honour.

III. THIS PROPHECY RESPECTING THE MESSIAH 'S LOWLY BIRTHPLACE LIVED IN THE MEMORIES AND HEARTS OF GOD 'S ANCIENT PEOPLE . Two striking confirmations of this are given in the Gospels.

1 . In connection with the visit of the Magians to Jerusalem. Herod in his alarm gathered the Jewish Sanhedrin together, and imperiously demanded information from the priests and scribes as to where, in accordance with Jewish traditions, the Messiah was to be born. And their reply ( Matthew 2:5 , Matthew 2:6 ) indicates that they had in their memory this prophecy by Micah; whilst the readiness with which they replied to the inquiry of Herod manifests how clearly this prophecy had become impressed upon the Jewish mind.

2 . In connection with Christ's appearance in Jerusalem at "the Feast of Tabernacles." His hearers, moved by his marvellous teaching, began to acknowledge him as the Messiah, when lo! the Pharisees cried, "Shall Christ came out of Galilea? Hath not the Scripture said that Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of Bethlehem, where David was?" ( John 7:42 ). It is evident that these Pharisees knew all about this ancient prediction, and that they expected the Messiah, in accordance with it, to appear in Bethlehem. Note—

IV. THE REMARKABLE FULFILMENT , IN THE ORDER OF PROVIDENCE , OF THIS NATIONAL EXPECTATION . The decree went forth from Caesar Augustus that all the Roman world should be enrolled ( Luke 2:1 ). The emperor, in issuing the decree, thought only of his imperial authority and the glory of the empire; but God was working through all, and making the earthly kingdom to serve the heavenly, and bringing about the fulfilment of the prophecy that in Bethlehem the Christ should appear. So, earthly princes and potentates, statesmen and diplomatists, are ever at work, thinking only of the interests of their own nations; but above all is the God of nations, the supreme Ruler, sitting on the throne of his majesty in perfect repose, and overruling all to the accomplishment of his purposes of love and mercy towards the whole race ( Proverbs 21:1 ; Proverbs 16:33 ).