Micah 5:1,2 - But you, O Bethlehem

5:1

There is a contrast between the current situation and leadership and the future king of Israel. For now they needed to prepare for war. Israel and much of Judah would be overrun by Assyria, and Jerusalem would be under siege.

5:2

Despite this judgement and defeat, a future king would come, and the Messiah would come from Bethlehem. This verse is quoted in Matthew 2:6. Bethlehem was a small place, of little account, but of her would come one who would rule over all of Israel. So we see that while the Jews on the whole reject Jesus, one day He will rule over all of Israel. Only then will true peace come to Israel. “Whose origins are of old, from ancient times”. This alludes to the eternality of Jesus, as he said in John 8:58, “Before Abraham was, I am”.