D.     The coming of the Savior (5:1-4)

1.       (v1). This verse is a connection of the explanation on 4:10. This verse also prophesies the suffering of the Lord (Mt 27:30).

2.       (v2). “Bethlehem” means the house of bread. It is located 5 miles south of Jerusalem. It is a small city in the Ephraim area of the tribe of Judah. It was so small that it was not recorded among the cities in Joshua 15:20-63. It is famous for being David’s birthplace (1 Sam 17:12) and also a place prophesied as the birthplace of the Savior (Mt 2:6; Lk 2:8-11).

 a.      This verse is one of the 7 major prophesies about the birth of Christ. They are: 1. Descendent of Abraham (Gen. 22:18); 2. From the tribe of Judah (Gen 49:11); 3. Of the house of David (Jer 23:5, 6); 4. Born of a virgin (Isa 7:14); 5. The place of birth (Mic 5:2); 6. The time of birth (Dan 9:25); and 7. The condition of suffering (Isa. 53:1-9).

3.       (v3). Messiah will come after the returning of the people. This verse also means that sinners must wait until the Savior is born to be redeemed and to become His people (Gal 4:4, 5).

4.       (v4). When Jesus Christ comes, He will come with the power and the authority of God, and He will be like a good shepherd tending His sheep (Jn 10:11). There will be peace and joy to the end of the earth (Ps 72:8).