In Micah 5:2, we find a prophecy stipulating the place of the Messiah’s birth and the family of his birth. Only a person born at a particular place into a particular family would qualify for the office of Messiah.

When the wise men from the east came to Jerusalem looking for the birth place of the king of the Jews, Herod asked the chief priests and scribes where the Messiah would be born. They quoted Micah 5:2, which predicts that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Mt 2:5-6). The religious leaders alive at the time of Christ believed that Micah 5:2 pertained to the coming of the Messiah.

The book of Micah was written about 700 years before the birth of Christ. The prophet Micah lived around the same time as the prophet Isaiah.

In chapter 5, Micah is discussing the glorious future that is in store for Israel. In vs. 1, the king/judge in Israel will be struck with a rod on the cheek. In verse two we find another king who will bring lasting security to Israel.

Jesus fulfilled this prophecy; he is ruler who will come forth and establish an eternal kingdom. This ancient prophecy tells us some important things about Jesus.

Let’s consider several important truths about Jesus that we should incorporate into our understanding of Christmas.