The prophet Micah foretells the glory of Bethlehem:
But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
who are one of the little clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to rule in Israel,
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient days.
Therefore he shall give them up
until the time when she who is in labor
has brought forth;
then the rest of his kindred shall return
to the people of Israel.
And he shall stand and feed his flock in
the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the
Lord his God.
And they shall live secure,
for now he shall be great
to the ends of the earth;
and he shall be the one of peace.
