Prophesied in Bethlehem Jesus Would be Born Matthew 2:5

Matthew shared what happened when, “Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born”, and in chapter two and verse five of his book, Matthew shares how the chief priests and scribes answered, “In Bethlehem of Judea” where we read:

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

The verse reads, “And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea:” Matthew began with the words, “and they said” which means “and the chief priests and scribes uttered, proclaimed and declared” “unto him” or “to Herod the king”, “In Bethlehem” or “within the village about six miles south of Jerusalem whose name means house of bread” “of Judea” which means “belonging to the southern portion of Palestine lying on this side of the Jordan and the Dead Sea, to distinguish it from Samaria, Galilee, Peraea and Idumaea which means he shall be praised”. Matthew shared how the “chief priests” and “scribes” answered that the Christ was to be “born” in “Bethlehem” which was located in “Judea”.

The verse continues, “for thus it is written by the prophet,” Matthew added the words, “for thus” which means “because, even as, indeed, seeing then and therefore” “it is written” or “the declaration is delineated and formed with letters upon a tablet, parchment, paper or other material” “by the prophet” which means “through and by way of a man who was moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman, solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation”. Matthew shared how the “chief priests” and “scribes” referred to the Old Testament “prophet” for the location of where the Christ was to be born.

When we consider Matthew's words in this verse, we see how the “chief priests” and “scribes” referred to the prophet Micah in chapter five and verse two where we read, “But you, Bethlehem Ephratah, though you be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” This passage and prophesy told them the Messiah would be “born in Bethlehem”, and although they knew these things, they were unaware of Jesus' actual birth. Once again Matthew has shown through scripture how Jesus is the Messiah to a world that is in need of a “Savior”. God intended for Jesus to be the “Savior and Lord” of every person who will submit their lives to Him, and may all who consider this prophesy see and understand how much God desires to “save” people.

Next time Matthew shares how the prophet wrote, “in Bethlehem, in the land of Judah”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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