Micah 5 · Grade 4
The Ruler from Bethlehem
Read and Think
Micah 5 begins with Jerusalem under siege. Then Micah speaks to a small town: you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being small among the clans of Judah. Out of it one will come who is to be ruler in Israel, whose goings out are from of old, from ancient times. Bethlehem was also the town of King David.
This ruler will stand and shepherd in the strength of Yahweh, in the majesty of the name of Yahweh his God. His people will live securely, for he will be great to the ends of the earth. Micah says, he will be our peace. The remnant of Jacob will be among many peoples like dew from Yahweh, like showers on the grass.
In that day, Yahweh will remove the things his people trusted instead of him: horses, chariots, strongholds, witchcraft, and idols. They would no more worship the work of their hands. In the New Testament, Matthew 2:5-6 tells how the chief priests and scribes quoted Micah 5:2 when Herod asked where the Christ would be born.
Show What You Know
Why is it surprising that the ruler comes from Bethlehem?
What does verse 2 say about the ruler's goings out?
How will this ruler lead his people?
What will Yahweh remove from his people?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- Then Micah speaks to a small town: you, Ephrathah, being small among the clans of Judah.
- Out of it one will come who is to be in Israel, whose goings out are from of old, from ancient times.
- This ruler will stand and shepherd in the of Yahweh, in the majesty of the name of Yahweh his God.
- Micah says, he will be our .
- The of Jacob will be among many peoples like dew from Yahweh, like showers on the grass.
Think About It
God chose a small town for a great ruler. How does God use small or overlooked things?
God removed things his people trusted instead of him. What might people today trust more than God?
Memory Verse
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being small among the clans of Judah, out of you one will come out to me who is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings out are from of old, from ancient times.”
Micah 5:2 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for sending a great Shepherd. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- Who helps you be strong when you need to help others?
- What things in your life could be crowding out your trust in God?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.