Mi 5:1-4

1* But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathaha

least among the clans of Judah,

From you shall come forth for me

one who is to be ruler in Israel;

Whose origin is from of old,

from ancient times.

2Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time

when she who is to give birth has borne,*

Then the rest of his kindred shall return

to the children of Israel.b

3He shall take his place as shepherd

by the strength of the LORD,

by the majestic name of the LORD, his God;

And they shall dwell securely, for now his greatness

shall reach to the ends of the earth:

4he shall be peace.*

If Assyria invades our country

and treads upon our land,

We shall raise against it seven shepherds,

eight of royal standing;