Bethlehem

Lore & Background

Bethlehem first appears in scripture as the site of Rachel's death and burial on the way to Ephrath (Genesis 35:19; Genesis 48:7). Centuries later, the judge Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel and was buried there (Judges 12:8; Judges 12:10). The town becomes central in the narrative of Ruth and Naomi: Naomi and Ruth return to Bethlehem from Moab at the beginning of barley harvest (Ruth 1:19; Ruth 1:22), and Boaz, a prominent man of Bethlehem, meets Ruth there (Ruth 2:4). The elders of Bethlehem bless Ruth to be like Rachel and Leah, invoking the name Ephratah (Ruth 4:11). Bethlehem is also the hometown of David. He tended his father's sheep there (1 Samuel 17:15) and it is called "his city" (1 Samuel 20:6). David's mighty men included Asahel, buried in his father's sepulchre in Bethlehem (2 Samuel 2:32), and Elhanan son of Dodo of Bethlehem (2 Samuel 23:24; 1 Chronicles 11:26). During a Philistine garrison at Bethlehem, David longed for water from the well by the gate, which three mighty men retrieved for him (2 Samuel 23:14-16; 1 Chronicles 11:16-18). Later, King Rehoboam fortified Bethlehem (2 Chronicles 11:6). The genealogies list Salma as father of Bethlehem (1 Chronicles 2:51) and Hur as father of Bethlehem (1 Chronicles 4:4). The prophet Samuel also visited Bethlehem, causing the elders to tremble (1 Samuel 16:4).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Bethlehem as a place of both sorrow and significance. It is first marked by Rachel's death (Genesis 35:19; Genesis 48:7), giving it a somber origin in the patriarchal narratives. Yet it becomes a city of refuge and return: Naomi and Ruth arrive there after loss, and the community is moved by their presence (Ruth 1:19). Bethlehem is a setting for kinship loyalty and divine blessing, as Boaz acts as a kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 2:4; Ruth 4:11). The town is also a military and royal touchpoint: David's connection to Bethlehem is personal and familial (1 Samuel 17:15; 1 Samuel 20:6), and the well of Bethlehem becomes a symbol of devotion when David pours out its water as an offering to the Lord (2 Samuel 23:15-16; 1 Chronicles 11:17-18). The fortification by Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:6) shows its ongoing strategic importance. Overall, the passages present Bethlehem as a small but pivotal town in Israel's history, associated with death, loyalty, leadership, and worship.

Did You Know?

• Rachel died and was buried near Bethlehem, which is also called Ephrath (Genesis 35:19; Genesis 48:7).
• The judge Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel and was buried there (Judges 12:8; Judges 12:10).
• David's mighty men drew water from the well of Bethlehem at the gate, but David poured it out to the Lord (2 Samuel 23:15-16; 1 Chronicles 11:17-18).
• King Rehoboam built (fortified) Bethlehem (2 Chronicles 11:6).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Origen of Alexandria in: Pilgrimage in the Holy Land: Israel, AuthorHouse, 2013, p. 335." — Bethlehem "Bible in:The New Testament of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, The University Press, 1882, p. 120." — Bethlehem "Bible in: The New Testament of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Porter & Coates, 1881, p. 25." — Bethlehem "Bible in: Hendrickson Bibles Complete Evangelical Parallel Bible-PR-KJV/NKJV/NIV/NLT, Hendrickson Publishers, 1 February 2013, p. 542." — Bethlehem