The Lord Will

Bethlehem in the Bible

Bethlehem — 'house of bread' in Hebrew — is the birthplace of both King David and Jesus Christ. The prophet Micah predicted over 700 years in advance that the ruler of Israel would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), a prophecy fulfilled when Mary and Joseph travelled there for the census.

Historical Context

Bethlehem Ephrathah sits about 10 kilometres south of Jerusalem in the Judean hills. The town was one of the minor cities of Judah but gained outsized biblical significance through its association with David's lineage and the nativity of Jesus. The Church of the Nativity, built over the traditional site of Jesus' birth, has stood since the 4th century and remains one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world.

Location Details

Country: Palestine

Region: Judea

Coordinates: 31.705400, 35.202400

Type: City

Bible Verses About Bethlehem

1 Samuel 17:12

Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Beth–lehem–judah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.

Luke 2:4

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

Micah 5:2

But thou, Beth–lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

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Author:
The Lord Will Editorial Team
Reviewed by:
Ugo Candido
Last updated: