Not all passages in the Old Testament so clearly describe the expected “ruler who will lead and care for his people.”
Only the ruler’s deity is omitted. The fact that the Messiah is also God the Son is heavily veiled throughout, although it is hinted in various ways.
This prophecy is only partially fulfilled now. His importance as the ruler of “all” Israel awaits his promised second appearance.
Doesn’t it thrill you to see how God truth is fulfilled in Jesus alone?
Micah 5:1-5
Now, gather your troops, you city of troops. We are under attack. Enemies will strike the judge of Israel on the cheek with a stick.
You, Bethlehem Ephrathah, are too small to be included among Judah’s cities. Yet, from you Israel’s future ruler will come for me. His origins go back to the distant past, in days long ago. That is why the LORD will abandon Israel until the time a mother has a child. Then the rest of the LORD’S people will return to the people of Israel.
The child will become the shepherd of his flock. He will lead them with the strength of the LORD, with the majestic name of the LORD his God. They will live in safety because his greatness will reach the ends of the earth.
This man will be their peace. When the Assyrians invade our land and trample our palaces, we will attack them with seven shepherds and eight leaders.
