John Gill emphasizes the prophetic significance of Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah, citing Micah 5:2 to affirm that Jesus fulfills this prophecy. He argues that the expectation of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem was well-known among the Jews, supported by both scripture and historical context. Gill addresses objections regarding the application of this prophecy to Jesus, clarifying that despite the challenges faced during His life, Jesus is indeed the ruler and peace-bringer foretold. He reconciles differences between the prophecy and its New Testament citation, asserting that these do not undermine the truth of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. Ultimately, Gill presents this prophecy as a vital piece of evidence for recognizing Jesus as the true Messiah.