In our passage today we read about an awful time in Jewish history when Jewish children were ripped from their parent's arms and deported to Babylon. There was a cry and wail that went up because of this. Matthew 2 quotes this passage when it talks about Herod's slaughter of the innocents. 

Numbers 24 prophesies about a coming ruler of Israel. That ruler will be signified by a star. This prophecy looks ahead to the astral event that will lead the wise men on their visit to see the Christ child. 

Micah prophesies against exploitation and evil among God's people. The irony of this is that Micah 5 is the passage the scribes use to guide the wise men to Bethlehem when the wise men come to visit King Herod. King Herod was the embodiment of all the things Micah prophesied against. 

Psalm 72 is one of the two Psalms written by Solomon. He gives us a picture of the Messiah that is to come. The Messiah will be a King that is worshipped by all people and who cares for those who are weak. 

Isaiah tells us that the long-awaited king from the line of Jesse will come. He will have wisdom and understanding to rule his people. He will have counsel and power to execute his plans. His coming will signal an overturning of the curse and a new and better Eden on the horizon. 

Jeremiah prophesies in bleak times. Even amidst the unfaithfulness of His people, God will remain faithful to His promises. 

Isaiah the prophet tells us a child will come to us. This child will be God in flesh and he will bring peace that we so dearly crave. 

Micah the prophet lives in bleak times but he looks forward to a new day. Micah prophesies of a coming King that will come from Bethlehem. 

In our reading today we see the Mary is the fulfillment of the Ark of the Covenant. You may ask, "how can a young Jewish girl be the fulfillment of a golden box in the Temple?" Tune in today and find out.