Micah 5:2

In contrast to the humiliation of Israel’s judge (king) Zedekiah, a greater ruler would emerge later in Israel’s history (cf. Micah 4:7). He would be Yahweh’s representative (cf. John 17:4; Hebrews 10:7) and would arise from the comparatively insignificant town of Bethlehem (House of Bread) Ephrathah (Fruitful). Ephrathah (Ephrath) was an old name for the district in which Bethlehem of Judah lay, in contrast to other Bethlehems in the Promised Land (cf. Genesis 35:16-19; Genesis 48:7; Joshua 19:15; Ruth 4:11). Bethlehem was, of course, the hometown of David (1 Samuel 16:1; 1 Samuel 16:18-19; 1 Samuel 17:12), so the reference to it allows for the possibility of a familial connection with King David. As David had been the least notable of his brothers, so Bethlehem was the least honorable among the towns in Judah. The most insignificant place would bring forth the most significant person. This ruler must be divine since He had been conducting activities on Yahweh’s behalf from long ago, even eternity past (lit. days of immeasurable time; cf. Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1; Philippians 2:6; Colossians 1:17; Revelation 1:8). The New Testament identifies this Ruler as the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Matthew 2:1; Matthew 2:3-6), though some of the Jews in Jesus’ day did not know that Bethlehem was His birthplace (John 7:42).

This messianic prophecy not only gives the birthplace of Messiah, and thus assures His humanity, but it also asserts His deity. No mere human could be said to have been carrying out the will of Yahweh eternally.