Question 1

What is the main message of this prophecy about Bethlehem Ephratah?

Accepted Answer

This prophecy says that while God’s people will face siege, shame, and hardship, God has not forgotten them. Out of small, overlooked Bethlehem will come a ruler for Israel. He is not just another king, but one whose going forth is from of old, from everlasting. He will stand and shepherd his people in the strength of the Lord, gather the scattered remnant, and bring lasting peace. The message is that God’s rescue will come through a humble place and a promised ruler, even when things look hopeless.

Question 2

Why is Bethlehem called little among the thousands of Judah?

Accepted Answer

Bethlehem is called little because it was a small town, not even large enough to supply its own full military division like other districts in Judah. By human standards it seemed unimportant. Yet God chose this small place for the birth of the promised ruler. This shows that God often works through what looks weak or low in people’s eyes. The town’s size did not limit God’s plan. Instead, its very smallness highlights how God brings great salvation from humble beginnings.

Question 3

What does it mean that his goings forth are from of old, from everlasting?

Accepted Answer

The words “his goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” point to more than just a human king starting to reign at some point in time. They say that the ruler who will come from Bethlehem already has an eternal origin and purpose. His coming is part of God’s plan from eternity, not something God thought of at the last minute. This shows his unique nature and hints that he shares in God’s eternal life, even though he will be born in a humble town.

Question 4

Why does God say he will give them up until the one in labor has given birth?

Accepted Answer

“He will give them up” means that for a time God will allow his people to go through hardship and feel the weight of their sins. They would face siege, exile, and trouble. The picture of a woman in labor shows pain that leads to new life. The birth points to the coming of the promised ruler. After this, the remnant of his brothers returns to the children of Israel. So the verse joins together real suffering, a set time in God’s plan, and the comfort that new hope will come.

Question 5

How is the promised ruler described as a shepherd in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The ruler from Bethlehem is pictured as one who will stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord and in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. To feed here means to shepherd, to guide, protect, and provide for the people. He is not weak or careless, but he stands firm. His strength comes from God, not from human power. Because of his shepherd care, his people will live securely, and his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.

Question 6

What does it mean that this man shall be the peace when the Assyrian comes?

Accepted Answer

When it says, “this man shall be the peace,” it shows that peace is not just a calm feeling or a treaty, but is tied to the person of the promised ruler. Even when the Assyrian, a symbol of powerful enemies, comes into the land and treads in palaces, God’s people will not be left helpless. God will raise up leaders, pictured as seven shepherds and eight princes, to stand against the enemy. The ruler himself is the source and guarantee of peace in the middle of threat.

Question 7

Who are the seven shepherds and eight principal men mentioned here?

Accepted Answer

The passage speaks of “seven shepherds and eight principal men” as leaders God will raise up when the Assyrian invades. The exact identity of these people is not given. The numbers likely picture a full and more-than-sufficient supply of helpers. The point is that God will not leave his people without guidance and protection. Under the care of the promised ruler, God will provide enough faithful leaders to guard his people and join in overcoming the enemies that attack them.

Question 8

Why does this prophecy talk about wasting the land of Assyria and the land of Nimrod?

Accepted Answer

Assyria and the land of Nimrod stand for strong powers that threaten God’s people. When the prophecy says “they shall waste the land of Assyria with the sword,” it shows that those who once terrified Israel will themselves be struck and brought low. This is tied to the work of the promised ruler and the leaders God raises up. The message is not about cruelty, but about God’s final rescue. The forces that oppose God’s kingdom will not succeed in the end.

Question 9

What was happening to God’s people when this message was given?

Accepted Answer

God’s people were facing the warning of siege and defeat. Their city would be surrounded, and their judge, or ruler, would be struck on the cheek, a picture of shame and disgrace. This was tied to their sins and pride. They had once troubled others, and now trouble would come on them. Yet, in the middle of this dark picture, God spoke of a future ruler from Bethlehem and of peace that would reach to the ends of the earth. Judgment and hope are woven together in this message.

Question 10

How can this passage about siege and a ruler from Bethlehem encourage believers today?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God is still at work even when life feels like a siege and leaders fail. God may allow hardship for a season, but his plans are not broken. He brings help from places that seem small and overlooked, like Bethlehem. The promised ruler is described as eternal, strong in God’s power, gentle like a shepherd, and himself our peace. Remembering this can help believers face trials with patience, knowing that God’s care and rescue often come in ways the world does not expect.

Micah 5:1

Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.

A Ruler from Bethlehem

Cross References

Micah 5:1

Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.

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A Ruler from Bethlehem

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