Bethlehem, a small town located approximately six miles southwest of Jerusalem, holds a significant place in biblical history and Christian tradition. Known as the "City of David," Bethlehem is also referred to as the "City of Joseph" due to its association with Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus Christ. This entry explores the historical, theological, and prophetic significance of Bethlehem as presented in the Bible.

Historical Significance

Bethlehem first appears in the biblical narrative in Genesis 35:19, where it is mentioned as the burial place of Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife: "So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)." The town is also the setting for the Book of Ruth, where Ruth the Moabitess meets Boaz, leading to their marriage and the birth of Obed, the grandfather of King David (Ruth 4:11-17).

Bethlehem's most notable historical figure is King David, who was born and anointed there. 1 Samuel 16:1-13 recounts the anointing of David by the prophet Samuel, establishing Bethlehem as the city of David's origins and royal lineage.

Prophetic Significance

The prophetic significance of Bethlehem is highlighted in the Book of Micah, where the prophet foretells the birthplace of the Messiah: "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me one to be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times" (Micah 5:2). This prophecy is fulfilled in the New Testament with the birth of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Gospels.

The Birth of Jesus Christ

The Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke both affirm Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus. Matthew 2:1 states, "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem." Luke 2:4-7 provides further detail, explaining that Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem due to a census ordered by Caesar Augustus: "And Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David."

Joseph's connection to Bethlehem is significant, as it fulfills the prophecy of the Messiah's Davidic lineage and establishes Bethlehem as the "City of Joseph" in the context of Jesus' nativity.

Theological Significance

Bethlehem's role in the nativity account underscores the humility and divine purpose of Jesus' birth. The town's modest size and status contrast with the grandeur of Jerusalem, highlighting the unexpected and humble circumstances of the Messiah's arrival. This theme is echoed in the angelic announcement to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-11: "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!'"

Bethlehem's significance extends beyond its historical and prophetic roles, serving as a symbol of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ.Matthew 2:5,6
And they said to him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 2:4
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
Nave's Topical Index

The Story of Jesus, the Babe of Bethlehem
... quietly and quickly went with them down to Egypt, which was on the southwest of
Judea ... Perhaps it was his thought to go again to Bethlehem, the city of David ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of jesus the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... a list of the towns fortified by Rehoboam: Bethlehem, Etam, Beth ... he was master in
his own city of Jerusalem or Samaria ... of Noah build a tower and a city, He draws ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Who were the Ephrathites? | GotQuestions.org

Does Luke's claim that Jesus was born in Bethlehem at the time of Quirinius' census match the historical record? | GotQuestions.org

Is Micah 5:2 a Messianic prophecy? | GotQuestions.org

Bethlehem: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus