Bethlehem is a town rich in biblical history, known as the birthplace of Jesus. Today, let’s explore what the Bible says about Bethlehem and its significance in God’s plan of redemption.
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What Does The Bible Say About Bethlehem
Micah 5:2
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.”
This verse prophesies that the Messiah, who will rule in Israel, will come from Bethlehem. It highlights the humble nature of Bethlehem, a small town that would not typically be associated with greatness. It emphasizes the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and the divine origin of the promised ruler.
Matthew 2:1
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem.”
This verse recounts that Jesus, the Savior, was born in Bethlehem during the reign of King Herod. It introduces the visit of the wise men from the east who recognized the significance of this birth and sought to worship the newborn King. It establishes Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus.
Luke 2:4-7
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
These verses describe the journey of Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem for the census. It affirms Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus and emphasizes his connection to the lineage of David. The humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth in a manger reflect the lack of suitable accommodations at the inn.
Matthew 2:5-6
“They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”‘
These verses illustrate the response of King Herod’s advisors to the inquiry about the birthplace of the Messiah. They cite the prophecy from Micah 5:2, confirming Bethlehem’s importance and role in the fulfillment of God’s plan. It highlights Bethlehem’s significance as the birthplace of the promised ruler and shepherd of Israel.
John 7:42
“Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?”
In this verse, some people express their confusion and doubt regarding Jesus’ identity as the Messiah. They acknowledge the expectation that the Christ would come from the lineage of David and be born in Bethlehem. It underscores the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus’ birth and lineage.
Matthew 2:16
“Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.”
This tragic verse describes King Herod’s wicked response upon realizing that the wise men did not return to disclose the whereabouts of the newborn King. In a fit of rage and fear, he ordered the killing of all male children in Bethlehem below the age of two. It brings to light the darkness and evil present during the time of Jesus’ birth.
Luke 2:15
“When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
Following the angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, they decide to go to Bethlehem to witness the fulfillment of God’s promise. Their response demonstrates faith, curiosity, and eagerness to see the newborn Messiah. It highlights Bethlehem as the site where the miraculous event took place.
Matthew 2:8
“And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”
These words are spoken by King Herod to the wise men after their inquiry about the birthplace of the Messiah. However, Herod’s true intention is to harm the child. It reveals Herod’s deceptive nature and his desire to eliminate any potential threat to his power. It contrasts the true worship of Jesus with Herod’s false claims of wanting to worship Him.
Matthew 2:9-10
“After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”
These verses recount the journey of the wise men guided by a star that led them to the exact location of the young child. Their joy upon finding the child indicates the significance of this event and the fulfillment of their search. It highlights the divine guidance and provision throughout their journey to Bethlehem.
Matthew 2:11
“And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”
Upon finding Jesus in Bethlehem, the wise men enter the house and worship Him. They present Him with gifts symbolizing royalty, divinity, and sacrificial death. Their actions demonstrate reverence, adoration, and recognition of Jesus’ unique identity as the King of Kings. It emphasizes Jesus’ significance and the honor bestowed upon Him.
Matthew 2:13
“Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.”
After the wise men’s visit, Joseph receives divine instructions in a dream to escape to Egypt with Jesus and Mary due to Herod’s evil intentions. This verse highlights God’s protection and guidance to ensure Jesus’ safety. It further establishes Bethlehem as the starting point of Jesus’ journey and the subsequent fulfillment of prophecies.
Matthew 2:14
“And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt.”
In obedience to the angel’s message, Joseph immediately obeys and leads his family to Egypt under the cover of darkness. This verse portrays Joseph as a faithful and responsible guardian of Jesus, safeguarding Him from harm. It emphasizes the importance of taking decisive action in fulfilling God’s purposes.
Matthew 2:19-20
“But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.”
Following the death of King Herod, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream to instruct him to return to the land of Israel. The angel reassures Joseph of the safety of Jesus, as those who sought to harm Him are no longer a threat. It signifies the conclusion of Jesus’ time in Egypt and the beginning of His journey back to Israel from Bethlehem.
Matthew 2:21
“And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.”
In line with the angel’s message, Joseph obeys once again and returns with Jesus and Mary to the land of Israel from Egypt. This verse demonstrates Joseph’s faithfulness and responsiveness to divine guidance, ensuring the fulfillment of God’s plan through Bethlehem and the subsequent events in Jesus’ life.
Matthew 2:22-23
“But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.”
Joseph, guided by another dream, avoids going to Judea and instead settles in Nazareth with Jesus and Mary. This event fulfills the prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene. It further establishes the significance of Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus and the subsequent events that shape His life.
John 7:40-42
“When they heard these words, some of the people said, “This really is the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?”
In this verse, people express diverse opinions regarding Jesus’ identity. Some believe Him to be the Prophet, others recognize Him as the Christ, while some question His Galilean origin. The Scripture is referenced to affirm that the Christ should come from the lineage of David and be born in Bethlehem. It reflects the ongoing discussion about Jesus’ origin and purpose.
John 7:52
“They replied, “Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.””
In response to the questioning of Jesus’ identity, some individuals bring up the fact that no prophet arises from Galilee. This statement emphasizes their disbelief in Jesus as the Messiah due to their limited understanding of His birth in Bethlehem and His connection to David’s lineage. It highlights the conflicting views and lack of comprehensive knowledge among the people.
Micah 4:8
“And you, O tower of the flock, hill of the daughter of Zion, to you shall it come, the former dominion shall come, kingship for the daughter of Jerusalem.”
Although not explicitly mentioning Bethlehem, this verse references the “tower of the flock,” which is believed to be associated with Bethlehem. It speaks of a future restoration of dominion and kingship for the daughter of Jerusalem. This verse alludes to a future fulfillment of God’s promises through the significance of Bethlehem and its connection to the coming Messiah.
John 7:42
“Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?”
This verse encapsulates a discussion among the people about Jesus’ origin and identity. They refer to the Scriptures, emphasizing that the Christ should come from the lineage of David and be born in Bethlehem, David’s hometown. It underlines the fulfillment of prophecy through Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, highlighting His unique role as the promised Messiah.
Ruth 4:11
“Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, ‘We are witnesses. May the LORD make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem.”
In the story of Ruth, she marries Boaz in Bethlehem, and the people at the gate bless the couple, praying for the woman to be like Rachel and Leah, who were instrumental in building up the house of Israel. This verse highlights Bethlehem’s association with the faithfulness and reputation of its inhabitants. It further emphasizes Bethlehem’s role in the heritage and lineage of God’s chosen people.
Ruth 1:19
“So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?”
These verses describe Naomi’s return to Bethlehem accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth. The people of Bethlehem were stirred, recognizing Naomi’s presence and questioning if it was indeed her. It illustrates the close-knit community and the familiarity between its residents. It portrays Bethlehem as a town where individuals are known and embraced by the community.
1 Samuel 17:12
“Now David was the son of an Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, named Jesse, who had eight sons. In the days of Saul the man was already old and advanced in years.”
This verse identifies David, the future king of Israel, as being from Bethlehem. It introduces David’s family background, including his father Jesse, and highlights Bethlehem’s significance as David’s birthplace. It establishes the connection between David, Bethlehem, and Jesus as the promised descendant of David.
1 Samuel 16:4
“Samuel did what the LORD commanded and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling and said, “Do you come peaceably?”
Samuel’s visit to Bethlehem in obedience to the Lord’s command is described in this verse. The elders of the city approach Samuel with fear and inquire about his purpose. It illustrates the reverence and respect given to Samuel as a prophet and highlights Bethlehem as a place where significant events and encounters with God occur.