But thou. This marks out the Structure. Compare Micah 4:8 with Micah 5:2. Quoted in Matthew 2:5; Matthew 2:6; John 7:42.
Beth-lehem Ephratah. The full name given, as in Genesis 35:19, thus connecting Genesis 35:21 with Micah 4:8.
little. too little [to rank among]. Compare 1 Corinthians 1:27-29.
thousands. districts (1 Samuel 23:23). Like our old English divisions, called "hundreds". Compare Exodus 18:25. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 18:25).
come forth. Note the difference between Hebrew here (yatza) and bo'. come unto, in Zechariah 9:9. All the events between these two make up the period we call "the first Advent", and thus are typical of the "second Advent"; the coming forth being 1 Thessalonians 4:16, and the coming unto being 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:3, and 2 Thessalonians 2:8, the former being in grace, the latter in judgment.. similar period may elapse in the antitypical comings as in the typical comings of Micah 5:2, and Zechariah 9:9.
unto. for.
everlasting. Compare Psalms 90:2.Proverbs 8:22; 3 John 1:1; 3 John 1:1; John 1:2.