Beth-lehem] Matthew 2:6. John 7:42. Ephratah] Genesis 35:19. Judges 17:7. thou be little] Or, art thou little to be, &c. Though at this time thou be the least, and weakest citie amongst the Tribes of Judah, yet shalt thou be exalted by Christs coming in the flesh. And Saint Matthew hath the same words, to the same sense, with a negation. Thou art not the least, &c. Matthew 2:6. after the said prophecie was fulfilled. thousands of Judah] The Tribes of Israel were divided into thousands, whereof every one had a head, or Prince, Judges 6:15. 1 Samuel 10:19. 1 Chronicles 12:20. Zechariah 9:7. Whereupon Saint Matthew in stead of thousands, saith head or governour. yet out of thee] He comforteth the Church, which was deprived of her earthly King, by the promise of Christs coming, the heavenly, and everlasting King. whose goings forth] He sheweth that the coming of Christ and all his wayes were appointed of God from all eternitie. Or he was from everlasting come forth from the Father by generation; and by an eternall decree was by him appointed to be a Mediatour. everlasting] Heb. the dayes of eternity.