Micah is another Old Testament prophet who foretells the coming of the Messiah. Here we learn not only where the Messiah is from, but that he is the one whom we have waited for. Micah’s prophecy also reminds us that the places that we overlook as being too little and insignificant are not seen by God like that.

In the context of chapter 5, Micah foretells of both the hope in the Messiah as a great ruler and the vulnerability of Jerusalem to siege and defeat. Micah’s description of the Messiah brings great hope to Israel’s fears:

“And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD,

in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.

And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great

to the ends of the earth.

And he shall be their peace.” [Micah 5.4-5)]

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

[Micah 5.2]

2 “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,

who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,

from you shall come forth for me

one who is to be ruler in Israel,

whose coming forth is from of old,

from ancient days.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What does Micah acknowledge is true about Bethlehem?

+ Who does Micah prophesy is coming?

+ Why does the Lord say the Messiah will come forth “for me?” What does “for me” indicate?

+ “Of old” in the Hebrew has connotations referring to the old days of King David and to the everlasting nature of God. How are both connotations appropriate for the Messiah?

+ What is the significance of the contrast between Bethlehem being too little and the Messiah being a great ruler?

+ What do we learn about the character of God in this passage?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ What part of my life or context do I deem too little to be important? Does the Lord want to change the way I view that in light of this passage?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?