A child is born who will save the people from misery. But when you hear about the place where that child will be born, you are disappointed—in Bethlehem. Bethlehem is not a capital; neither is there a royal palace. Although it is ten kilometres from Jerusalem, that does not mean much. It is just a small village in Ephrata. This region of Ephrata is also mentioned because there is another place called Bethlehem, but that is in the territory of the tribe of Zebulun (see Joshua 19:15). There should be no misunderstanding which Bethlehem is meant. However, Bethlehem does have a distinctive history:
a) Rachal, Jacob’s wife, is buried here (Genesis 35:19);
b) Ruth, of Moab, comes to live here and marries Boaz (Ruth 1:19, compare Ruth 1:2);
c) David lived here when he was anointed king (1 Samuel 17:12).
For a king, lineage is very important—that is why this child is also said to have descended from of old.
His coming forth
is from long ago, from ancient days
—this refers to the lineage of David, which originated here in Bethlehem centuries ago. The child is of royal blood.
2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.