Where was
Jesus Born?

 

 

How many of Israel’s so-called Messiahs were:

1. Born in the Right Place. (Bethlehem: Micah 5:2)
2. Born in the Right Way (Virgin Birth: Isaiah 7:14)
3. Born in the Right Time. (before the 2nd Temple Destruction: Dan. 9:24-28)
4. Born in the Right Family (Judah: Gen. 49:10; 22:18; 3:15; Son of David: Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Ezekiel 34:23-24; Zechariah 6:12; Zechariah 12:10; 2 Samuel 7:12–16; 1 Chronicles 17:11)
5. Born with the Right Credentials (Wonderful, Almighty God, Everlating Father, Prince of Peace: IS)
6. Did the Right Things (Healed the Sick, cleansed Lepers, Public Miracles)
7. Died the Right Way (Flogged, Pierced, beard ripped, spit on, despised, esteemed not, clothes divided, mocked, etc.)
8. Rose Again the Right Way (having a new body, after 3 days (like Jonah)
9. Empowering and Commissioning His Disciples to Go into all the World. (Matt. 28; Mark 16)
10. Teaching them to Wait, and Expect His Return (To Stay Alert; Remain Faithful: Matt. 25)

 

 

 

 

Micah 5:2 (KJV)

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah,
though thou be little among the thousands of Judah,
yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel;
whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

“From Everlasting:” (or From Eternity)

In other words the One who would fulfill this prophecy, will be someone somewhat supernatural, to have existed from eternity. Don’t you think?

Bethlehem:

That is the Birthplace of King David. The Messiah, must come from the Family Lineage of King David, according to Biblical Prophecy.

The Prophetic Lineage of the Messiah from King David

The belief that the Messiah must come from the lineage of King David is a significant aspect of Jewish and Christian theology. This concept is rooted in various scriptures throughout the Bible, primarily in the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) and echoed in the New Testament. Below, we will explore key scriptures, their interpretations, main points, subpoints, and final outcomes regarding this prophetic lineage.

Key Scriptures

1. 2 Samuel 7:12-16
   • Interpretation: In this passage, God makes a covenant with David through the prophet Nathan. He promises that David’s lineage will endure forever.
   • Main Point: The establishment of an everlasting kingdom through David’s descendants.
   • Subpoints:
     • God’s promise to raise up David’s offspring.
     • The assurance that his kingdom will be established forever.
   • Final Outcome: This establishes the foundation for the expectation of a Messiah from David’s line.
2. Isaiah 11:1-10
   • Interpretation: Isaiah speaks of a shoot coming forth from the stump of Jesse (David’s father), indicating a future ruler who will embody wisdom and justice.
   • Main Point: The Messiah as a righteous leader emerging from David’s lineage.
   • Subpoints:
     • The characteristics of this ruler include wisdom, understanding, and fear of the Lord.
     • A vision of peace where natural enemies coexist harmoniously.
   • Final Outcome: This prophecy emphasizes not only lineage but also the moral and ethical qualities expected of the Messiah.
3. Jeremiah 23:5-6
   • Interpretation: Jeremiah prophesies about a “righteous Branch” from David’s line who will reign wisely and bring salvation.
   • Main Point: The emergence of a king who will execute justice and righteousness.
   • Subpoints:
     • The name by which he will be called—“The Lord Our Righteousness.”
     • Assurance that Judah will be saved under his reign.
   • Final Outcome: Reinforces hope for deliverance through a descendant of David.
4. Micah 5:2
   • Interpretation: Micah foretells that Bethlehem Ephrathah, though small among clans, will produce a ruler whose origins are from ancient times.
   • Main Point: Specification of Bethlehem as the birthplace of the future ruler-Messiah.
   • Subpoints:
     • Emphasis on humility despite significant destiny.
     • Connection to David, who was also born in Bethlehem.
   • Final Outcome: Establishes geographical significance linked to David’s heritage.
5. Revelation 5:5
   • Interpretation: In Revelation, Jesus is referred to as “the Lion of the tribe of Judah,” symbolizing strength and kingship derived from His lineage.
   • Main Point: Affirmation in Christian theology that Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies concerning David’s line.
   • Subpoints:
     • Represents victory over sin and death through His sacrificial role as Messiah.
     • Connects back to Old Testament expectations regarding kingship and messianic prophecy.
   • Final Outcome: Validates Jesus’ claim to messianic status based on His descent from David.

Conclusion

The prophetic expectation surrounding a Messiah arising from King David’s lineage is deeply embedded within biblical texts. These scriptures collectively affirm that not only does this figure emerge from Judah but also embodies specific qualities essential for leadership—justice, righteousness, wisdom—and serves as a source of hope for salvation. This theological framework has shaped both Jewish messianic expectations and Christian beliefs about Jesus Christ as fulfilling these ancient prophecies.

Authoritative Sources

1. For further reading on biblical covenants with King David see Bible Gateway.↩
2. For insights into messianic prophecies in Isaiah see Blue Letter Bible.↩

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Understanding Micah 5:2

Micah 5:2 is a significant verse in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) that has been interpreted by many as a prophecy concerning the birthplace of a future ruler in Israel. The verse reads:

“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”

Historical Context

To understand this prophecy, it is essential to consider the historical context in which Micah prophesied. Micah was a prophet during the 8th century BCE, a time when Israel and Judah were facing threats from Assyria and internal corruption. His messages often included calls for justice and predictions of judgment but also contained promises of hope and restoration.

Bethlehem Ephratah refers specifically to Bethlehem, a small town in Judea. This designation distinguishes it from other places named Bethlehem. The prophecy indicates that despite its insignificance (“little among the thousands of Judah”), it would be the birthplace of a significant leader.

Timeline of Events Related to the Prophecy

1. 8th Century BCE: Micah delivers his prophecies, including Micah 5:2.
2. Circa 740-700 BCE: The Assyrian threat looms over Israel and Judah.
3. Circa 586 BCE: The Babylonian conquest leads to the destruction of Jerusalem and exile for many Israelites.
4. Post-Exile Period (6th Century BCE): After returning from Babylonian exile, Jewish leaders begin to re-establish their identity and faith.
5. First Century CE: The Roman Empire controls Judea; Jewish expectations for a messiah are heightened due to oppression.
6. Birth of Jesus (circa 4-6 BCE): According to Christian tradition, Jesus is born in Bethlehem, fulfilling Micah’s prophecy as recorded in the New Testament (Matthew 2:1-6).
7. Early Christianity (1st Century CE): Early Christians interpret Jesus’ birth as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah.

Outcome of the Prophecy

The outcome of Micah 5:2 is primarily viewed through two lenses—Jewish and Christian interpretations:

• Jewish Interpretation: Traditional Jews do not see this verse as fulfilled in Jesus but rather look forward to a future messianic figure who will restore Israel and bring peace. But Messianic Jews are seeing this Prophecy as a fulfillment of the Messiah in Yeshua.
• Christian Interpretation: Christians believe that Jesus Christ fulfills this prophecy as he was born in Bethlehem and is recognized as both ruler and divine figure (“whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting”). This belief is foundational for Christian theology regarding Jesus’ nature as both human and divine.

Conclusion

In summary, Micah 5:2 serves as an important prophetic text within both Jewish and Christian traditions. Its implications extend beyond mere historical events; they shape theological beliefs about leadership, divinity, and hope for restoration.

The outcome of Micah 5:2 is seen differently across religious traditions—Christians view it as fulfilled in Jesus Christ’s birth in Bethlehem, while Jews anticipate a future messianic figure who will fulfill these promises.

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Daniel 9:24-27

 

Daniel 9:24-27 (KJV)

24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. 25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. 26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

 

Overview of Daniel 9:24-28

The passage in Daniel 9:24-28 is a key prophetic text that discusses the timeline for the coming of the Anointed One (Messiah) and the events leading up to the end times. This prophecy is often analyzed in terms of “weeks,” which are interpreted as periods of seven years.

Breakdown of the Prophecy

1. Seventy Weeks: The prophecy states that “seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city” (Daniel 9:24). These weeks are typically understood to represent a total of 490 years (70 weeks x 7 years per week).
2. Purpose of the Seventy Weeks: The text outlines six specific objectives:
   • To finish transgression
   • To make an end of sins
   • To make reconciliation for iniquity
   • To bring in everlasting righteousness
   • To seal up the vision and prophecy
   • To anoint the most Holy
3. Division of Weeks: The seventy weeks can be divided into three segments:
   • Seven Weeks (49 years)
   • Sixty-Two Weeks (434 years)
   • One Week (7 years)
   •  

Timeline Calculation

1. First Segment – Seven Weeks:
   • This period lasts for 49 years, traditionally associated with the time from the decree to restore Jerusalem until its rebuilding.
   • The decree is often dated to around 445 BC during the reign of Artaxerxes I.
   •  
2. Second Segment – Sixty-Two Weeks:
   • Following the first segment, this period lasts for 434 years.
   • Adding these two segments together gives us a total of 483 years from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem until the coming of an Anointed One.
3. Final Segment – One Week:
   • The final week, or seven-year period, is often associated with future events, including tribulation and ultimately leading to significant eschatological events.

Conversion to Years

• Starting from 445 BC, we calculate forward:
  • From 445 BC to AD 1 = 445 years
  • From AD 1 to AD 34 = 34 years
  • Total = 479 years (since there is no year zero)

This means that if we consider Jesus’ ministry beginning around AD 27-30, it fits within this timeline as he could be seen as fulfilling this prophecy as “the Anointed One.”

Outcome of the Prophecy

The culmination of these calculations leads us to understand that:

• The first part culminates with Jesus Christ’s ministry and crucifixion.
• The final week remains a subject of interpretation but is often linked with future prophetic events concerning Israel and global eschatology.

In summary, based on Daniel’s prophecy, we see a structured timeline leading from a historical decree through significant biblical events culminating in messianic fulfillment and pointing towards future occurrences.

The timeline established by Daniel’s prophecy indicates that from the decree given in approximately 445 BC until Jesus’ ministry fulfills part of this prophecy within a span totaling approximately 483 years, followed by an anticipated final seven-year period yet to unfold.

Authoritative Sources

1. For further reading on biblical timelines and interpretations, see Bible Gateway.↩
2. For scholarly analysis on prophetic texts, refer to The Biblical Archaeology Society.↩

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