Rashi: David comes from there ? "Avdecha Yishai Beis ha'Lachmi" (Shmuel I, 17:58). Beis Lechem is called Efras ? "b'Derech Efras Hi Beis Lechem" (Bereishis 48:7).

Radak: It says "Efrasah" to specify which Beis Lechem; the same applies to "b'Derech Efras Hi Beis Lechem." There was another Beis Lechem.

Malbim: I explained in Yechezkel (Perek 37) that at the time of the Ketz (deadline for redemption), first the 10 tribes will be aroused, and Mashi'ach ben Yosef will rule over them. They will be valiant (victorious in war). Shevet Yehudah, who are scattered among the nations, are weak and few. They will accompany the 10 tribes and be secondary to them, under Mashi'ach ben Yosef, until afterwards Mashi'ach ben David will rise with Hashem's strength. Then all will accept on themselves Malchus Beis David.

Rashi: You were proper to be young in the family of Yehudah, due to the chaff of Rus ha'Mo'aviyah in you.

Radak, Targum Yonasan: The verse addresses Beis Lechem. You are young to be counted among the chiefs of Yehudah. Even so, a Shofet will come from you to rule over Yisrael ? Melech ha'Mashi'ach.

Malbim: Now you are young and small ? you cannot be with the chiefs of Yehudah who accompany you, that will come from you a man who will be special to Me to rule over Yisrael. This will be only after you have a great rule, and Melech ha'Mashi'ach that will come from you (Mashi'ach ben David).

Rashi: Mashi'ach ben David ? "Even Ma'asu ha'Bonim" (Tehilim 118:22).

Rashi: "Lifnei Shemesh Yinon Shmo" (Tehilim 72:17; the name of Mashi'ach was created before the world ? Pesachim 54a).

Radak: In the time of Mashi'ach, they will say that a long time ago, his origin (David) was from Beis Lechem ¹ .

Malbim: Mashi'ach ben David will have a strong kingship, according to his origin in the days of David and Shlomo, who ruled a great and awesome kingship.