7. Where was the One to be ruler in Israel, who is from everlasting, prophesied to be born? Micah 5:2. Compare Matthew 2:4-6.
NOTE: ‘As in old time Cyrus was called to the throne of the world’s empire that he might set free the captives of the Lord, so Caesar Augustus is made the agent for the fulfilment of God’s purpose in bringing the mother of Jesus to Bethlehem. She is of the lineage of David, and the Son of David must be born in David’s city. Out of Bethlehem, said the prophet, “shall He come forth ... that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from the days of eternity.” Micah 5:2, margin.’ Desire of Ages, page 44.
8. How was this prophecy fulfilled exactly? Matthew 2:1-2. Compare Luke 2:1-7.
NOTE: ‘When the wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is He that is born king of the Jews?” the chief priests and scribes of the people, to whom Herod applied to know where Christ should be born, replied promptly, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for thus it is written by the prophet.” And then they quoted the words which the prophet Micah had spoken more than seven hundred years before: “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.” Micah. 5:2; Matthew 2:1-6. The careful reader of the Scriptures knows that Joseph and Mary were residents of Nazareth, yet when the proper time came, a heathen emperor did his part toward the fulfilment of prophecy, by sending forth a decree that brought them to Bethlehem.’ E. J. Waggoner: Present Truth, May 19, 1892.