1. Messiah Is “Father Of Eternity,” Yet Comes From Bethlehem

Isaiah 9:5[6], Micah 5:1[2]

It is a well-known fact that the Messiah has to be born into the family of David.

The Tanakh even says that the Messiah, just like David, will come forth out of Bethlehem—

But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrata, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel…

The verse continues.

His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.*

* or “His appearances are from long ago, from days of old” (Micah 5:2 NASB)

Micah not only says Messiah has to come from Bethlehem; he also tells us Messiah already had gone forth previously! He already appeared more than once in the past.

So the Messiah has a pre-existence!

The Prophet Isaiah even calls him אביעד “avi-ad” which means: “Father of eternity” [Isaiah 9:5 (6)]. That is how far reaching Messiah’s pre-existence is.

But how can Messiah have the name “Father of eternity”? Isn’t that name only appropriate for G-d Himself (compare Psalm 90:2)?

This raises important questions. Why is such a divine name as “Father of eternity” given to Messiah? And if Messiah appeared before, how did he appear?