For To Us A Child Is Born: 3 Prophesies of the Birth of Jesus in the Old Testament with Fulfillments

Are you aware the Old Testament has prophecies of the birth of Christ? There are a few references written by the prophets 700 to 800 hundred years prior to His nativity. If you do not know, these Bible verses are pretty specific. And we know these prophecies are valid because of their fulfillment in the New Testament.

Keep in mind, prophets do not predict but speak the promises of God. You can find these promises all over the Bible. But in the book of Isaiah and Micah, we read prophesy about the birth of the coming Messiah- the Savior of the world.

Prophesy and Fulfillment

The Virgin’s Child and Its Name

Prophesy: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” -Isaiah 7:14

Fulfillment: “But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).” -Matthew 1:20-23

Although Jesus wasn’t given “Immanuel” as His birth name it still applies to Him. He is God with us. This is one of the many names He has (Isaiah 9:6).

Jesus Born in Bethlehem and His Origin

Prophesy: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” -Micah 5:2

Fulfillment: “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem…” -Matthew 2:1

“Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” -John 5:58

From the Line of Jacob

Prophesy: “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.” -Numbers 24:17

Fulfillment: You can read the genealogy of Jesus in the book of Matthew chapter one verses one through 16. It starts with Abraham to Isaac, Isaac to Jacob, and all the way down to Joseph and Jesus, the Messiah.

It Doesn’t End at the Birth Story

Although there are many prophesies about the birth of Jesus and who He will be some may debate. But at least two passages of His birth are irrefutable and precise. We know a prophecy is valid when it comes to pass.

The birth of the Savior of the world is significant. Not only because it was a prophecy fulfilled, but also because He is God in the flesh. God came down in the most humble way to be with His people. He was born in a stable and laid in a manger– not fitting for a king.

The Messiah was long-awaited to save the world. This is why Christmas exists. This is what we celebrate in December. But we all know that the birth of Christ should be acknowledged all throughout the year. Not only one day or one month out of the year, all 365 days.