Re: Micah 5:2

Your wrote, >>The text here states that the messiah will come from David. The text does not state the messiah will be born in the town of Bethlehem, but that he will be from David who was born in Bethlehem. The text does not state that the messiah has always been in existence. David's goings forth from Micah's days were considered "days of old".<<

The text doesn't say the Messiah will NOT be born in Bethlehem, either. So that he could have been born there is possible at the very least.

No one would doubt that the Messiah would be from David's line, but this context does not mention David at all. The meaning is not at all that the Messianic line is ancient, but instead points directly to the subject, who is the Messiah. Here is a more literal translation (the NET Bible):

***As for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, seemingly insignificant among the clans of Judah— from you a king will emerge who will rule over Israel on my behalf, one whose origins are in the distant past.***

It is the KING Himself whose origins are ancient, not the king's ancestral line. David's "goings forth" may have been considered "days of old" to Micah, but this phrase can also be used to describe God Himself (who is eternal).

Again, it is the future (to Micah) King who would be from "days of old", not David or his line. For a King who was as yet unborn to have ancient origins is a clear illustration of the fact that the Messiah would both precede and follow David (see Matthew 22:45).
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