Matthew 2:6 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Matthew 2:6
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"Bethlehem… Micah v. 2. Upon the side of yonder hill, … is set that little city…". Illustration from The Holy Land and the Bible (1888)
Book	Gospel of Matthew
Christian Bible part	New Testament

Matthew 2:6 is an important verse from the Gospel of Matthew. This book is part of the New Testament in the Bible. This verse is part of a story where wise men, called the Biblical Magi, visit King Herod. They tell him they have seen signs that a new "King of the Jews" has been born. Herod then asks his religious advisors where this special king is supposed to be born.

Understanding Matthew 2:6

This verse is the answer given by Herod's advisors. They tell him that the new king will be born in Bethlehem. They know this because they are quoting an old prophecy from the Book of Micah. This prophecy helps explain where the Jewish Messiah, a promised leader, would come from.

The Story Behind the Verse

The Magi were wise men from the East. They followed a special star that led them to Jerusalem. There, they asked King Herod about the newborn "King of the Jews." Herod was worried because he was the king. He didn't want anyone else to take his place.

So, Herod called together the chief priests and teachers of the law. These were the religious experts of the time. He asked them where the Messiah was expected to be born. They looked at the ancient scriptures, which are like old holy books.

What the Verse Means

In Matthew 2:6, the religious leaders quote a prophecy from the Book of Micah, specifically Micah 5:2. They tell Herod: "And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are in no way least among the leaders of Judah. For out of you shall come forth a governor, who shall shepherd my people, Israel."

Let's break down what this means:

• Bethlehem, in the land of Judah: This tells us the exact town where the new king would be born. Bethlehem was a small town, but it was very important in Jewish history.
• Not the least among the leaders of Judah: Even though Bethlehem was small, it was special. It was chosen for a very important event.
• Out of you shall come forth a governor: This "governor" is the new king, the Messiah. He would be a leader for the people.
• Who shall shepherd my people, Israel: To "shepherd" means to guide and care for. This shows that the new king would be a loving and protective leader for the people of Israel.

This verse is important because it connects the birth of Jesus to ancient prophecies. It shows that his arrival was part of a long-planned divine story. It also highlights Bethlehem's special role in this history.