So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: Matthew 2:5

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“And they said to him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus has it been written through the prophet’” (CG).

In the previous verse, Herod inquired of the chief priests and scribes concerning where the Messiah would be born. With that, Matthew now continues, “And they said to him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea.’”

The name Bethlehem comes from the Hebrew words beith, house, and lekhem, bread. Thus, it means House of Bread. However, it has a secondary meaning which is derived from the Hebrew lakham, to fight or do battle. Thus, it can mean House of War. The connection between the two is that the word lakham figuratively means to consume. Just as man consumes bread, war consumes soldiers engaged in battle.

Judea is derived from Judah, Praise. This is where the term Jew is derived. This same sentiment concerning the birthplace of the Messiah was held by the common people as well. This is evidenced many years later in John 7 –

“Therefore many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, ‘Truly this is the Prophet.’ 41 Others said, ‘This is the Christ.’
But some said, ‘Will the Christ come out of Galilee? 42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?’” John 7:40-42

As such, it was commonly understood by the people, whether they knew the source of this information or not, but it seems likely they would have. As for that source, the men before Herod next say, “for thus has it been written.”

The verb is in the perfect tense. As such, the words that were written describe a completed action producing results that were still in effect. It had been written and what the word said remained true. In other words, it reveals the unchanging nature of the word that was given “through the prophet.”

Many translations read “by the prophet.” The word is dia. It signifies through (think of diameter: through a circle). The word “by” can have that connotation, such as “His words were written by a scribe, Jeremiah,” but it can also mean that a person did the writing on his own, “This was thought of, written by, and paid for by Jeremiah.”

In the case of Scripture, it is the word of the Lord written through Jeremiah. Saying “by” could lead one to a wrong impression unless he understood the doctrine of inspiration –

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17

&

“…knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:20, 21

Life application: One could ask if inspiration means that the word of God is solely derived from Him without any input from the prophet. In some cases, this may be the case when the Lord speaks out exactly what He wants written down.

However, at other times, the personality of an individual shines forth along with the clear understanding that it is the word of God that is being conveyed. Luke’s style in the Gospel of Luke and Acts is quite noticeable. And yet, the structure and patterns clearly reveal a divine inspiration that Luke probably didn’t even know existed.

In fact, many patterns in his writings, some of which fit in harmony with other books of the Bible, have only been found in recent years. New patterns continue to be found as well.

Paul used a scribe, Tertius, to pen the book of Romans (Romans 16:22). Anyone who knew Tertius’ handwriting would say, “This was written by Tertius.” And yet, the letter was dictated by Paul. Anyone who was (or is) familiar with Paul’s thoughts as expressed in his epistles would say, “Paul said these things.” And so, there is harmony between the two, even though the traits of both are evident.

And yet, anyone who is familiar with the Bible will know that it perfectly expresses the thoughts of God. Paul’s words in Romans are consistent with what is seen from Him throughout Scripture. And more, innumerable patterns between the typology presented in the Old Testament and the fulfillment of those types is expressed in Romans, demonstrating that God was completely involved in the process of inspiring Romans.

Likewise, studies have been conducted on the words used by Paul in all of his epistles. For example, rich and certain numerical patterns are to be found within the number of uses of various words, far too many to be by random chance.

Take time to consider the doctrine of inspiration and how it then forms an integral part of what God is presenting through the people He has selected to give us His word. With this divine/human touch, the word of God becomes an intimate love letter to those who will receive it.

Also, as you read it, pray for wisdom in what it is telling you. Ask Him to make you a conduit for the divine inspiration of Scripture by disclosing to you its hidden secrets. If you find a pattern that no one has ever seen there before, it is because God has chosen that particular moment in time to uncover it. And more, He has chosen you to be a part of the unfolding of that pattern in this marvelous tapestry that reveals His goodness to the people of the world.

Glorious Lord God, what a treasure Your word is. It has been read, contemplated, studied, explored, and analyzed for thousands of years. And yet, You are still revealing its hidden mysteries to Your people. How can we not stand in awe of You? And how can we not tremble at Your word as we contemplate what it is telling us? Praises to You, O God, for Your wonderful word. Amen.