en_tw/bible/other/bethlehem.md

Bethlehem, Ephrathah

Facts:

Bethlehem was a small city in the land of Israel, near the city of Jerusalem. It was also known as "Ephrathah," which was probably its original name.

• Bethlehem has been called the "city of David," since King David was born there.
• The prophet Micah said that the Messiah would come from "Bethlehem Ephrathah."
• Fulfilling that prophecy, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, many years later.
• The name "Bethlehem" means "house of bread" or "house of food."

(See also: Caleb, David, Micah)

Bible References:

• Genesis 35:16-20
• John 07:40-42
• Matthew 02:4-6
• Matthew 02:16
• Ruth 01:1-2
• Ruth 01:19-21

Examples from the Bible stories:

*17:02 David was a shepherd from the town of Bethlehem. *21:09 The prophet Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be born from a virgin. The prophet Micah said that he would be born in the town of Bethlehem. *23:04 Joseph and Mary had to make a long journey from where they lived in Nazareth to Bethlehem because their ancestor was David whose hometown was Bethlehem. *23:06 "The Messiah, the Master, has been born in Bethlehem!"