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In the New Testament, the city is identified as the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth. Under the Roman Empire, the city of Bethlehem was destroyed by Hadrian, but later rebuilt by Constantine the Great, who commissioned the Church of the Nativity in 327 CE.
Bethlehem, a small town located in the West Bank, holds a significant place in biblical history and Christian spirituality. Known primarily as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, Bethlehem is often referred to as the "City of David" and is rich in symbolism, cultural context, and biblical references.
Oct 17, 2024 · In the Bible, Jesus’ birthplace is identified as Bethlehem. This scene from the Arena (Scrovegni) Chapel in Padua by the Italian artist Giotto shows Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the Bethlehem stable. The three wise men, along with their caravan, and angels gather around the child. Above the stable, Haley’s comet streaks across the sky.
- Jesus Was Born in Bethlehem
- 7 Things to Know About Bethlehem
- Was Jesus Born in A Cave, House, Or Stable?
- Why Is Bethlehem Still Relevant?
The prophecy in Micah 5:2speaks of Bethlehem, a small and seemingly insignificant town, as the birthplace of a great ruler for Israel. This ruler, identified as the Messiah, is described as having origins "from of old, from everlasting," indicating His eternal nature. Despite Bethlehem's humble status, it is chosen to be the birthplace of the Messi...
1. Bethlehem means house of bread
Bethlehem is located in the hill country right outside of Jerusalem. A mild climate and plentiful rainfall, ensure that the town’s fields, orchards, and vineyards thrive into consistently bountiful harvests. The fertile land is probably why the area was first called Bethlehem or Beit Lehem, which means, “house of bread.” In His divine sovereignty, God would later appoint this town as the birthplace of His Son who would declare, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry...
2. Bethlehem was considered a tiny, insignificant town
Instead of choosing the holy city of Jerusalem as Jesus, the King of Kings, birthplace, God selected a town so small that it wasn’t even listed in the registry of towns in Joshua 15 or Nehemiah 11. Not only was this unusual act the fulfillment of messianic prophecy (Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:6), but the Savior’s humble birthplace demonstrates God’s greatness. As John Piperexplains, “God chose something small, quiet, out of the way, and did something there that changes the course of history and ete...
3. Scripture foretold the Messiah’s Birth in Bethlehem
700 years before Jesus was born, the prophet Micah prophesied that Bethlehem would be the Messiah’s birthplace. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2) God used the Roman Empire’s greedy taxation practices to draw Mary and Joseph to the appointed place of Christ’s birth at the appointed time.
The exact location of Jesus' birth is not entirely clear, but it is traditionally thought to have been a stable or a cave. According to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus was born in a manger, as there was no room in the inn (Luke 2:7). While many imagine this as a barn, some scholars believe the "inn" might refer to a guest room in a private home, and the ...
Bethlehem is the home to over 27,000 residents today. Those who live in Bethlehem are considered citizens of Palestine. Two million tourists provide 65% of the town’s wealth. Christians from all over the world travel to Bethlehem to see and experience the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The Church of the Nativity, built around AD 327, still stands in t...
Sep 14, 2020 · The city of Bethlehem, located about six miles southwest of Jerusalem, is the birthplace of our Savior Jesus Christ. Bethlehem, meaning "house of bread," was also the renowned City of David.
Sep 15, 2023 · The primary source for identifying the birthplace of Jesus is the New Testament, specifically the Gospel of Matthew. In the book of Matthew, we find a clear reference to the town where Jesus was born.
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In the Bible, Bethlehem holds a significant biblical meaning as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. It symbolizes the fulfillment of prophecies and the arrival of the promised Messiah, bringing hope, salvation, and eternal life to humanity.