Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 2:5-6

"And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written through the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah, Art in no wise least among the princes of Judah: For out of thee shall come forth a governor, Who shall be shepherd of my people Israel." — Matthew 2:5-6 (ASV)

And they said to him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And you Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of you shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Now, you see, what Herod did with an evil design was overruled for good, for thus we know on the highest authority that Christ was born at Bethlehem; the chief priests and scribes, great students of the law, when they were assembled in the presence of Herod, declared that, according to prophecy, Christ was to be born in Bethlehem.

They were right in their conclusion, though somewhat unclear in their quotation. Jesus was to be born in the city of David, in Bethlehem, which, when interpreted, means “the house of bread.” Though the city was small, His birth in it made it famous. Jesus ennobles all that He touches.

These scribes knew where to find the text about the Savior’s birth, and they could put their finger on the spot on the map where He was to be born; and yet, they did not know the King, nor did they care to seek Him out. May it never be my case, to be a master of Scriptural geography, prophecy, and theology, and yet to miss HIM of whom the Scripture speaks!

We note with joy the name of Governor, given here to Jesus. We are part of the spiritual Israel if He rules us. Oh, that the day may soon come when the literal Israel will behold the government laid upon His shoulder!