# 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](../other/caleb.md), [david](../other/david.md), [micah](../other/micah.md))

## Bible References: ##

* [Genesis 35:16-20](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/gen/35/16)
* [John 07:40-42](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/jhn/07/40)
* [Matthew 02:4-6](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mat/02/04)
* [Matthew 02:16](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mat/02/16)
* [Ruth 01:1-2](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/rut/01/01)
* [Ruth 01:19-21](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/rut/01/19)

## Examples from the Bible stories: ##

  __*[17-02](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/17-02)__ David was a shepherd from the town of __Bethlehem__.
  __*[21-09](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/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](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/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](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/23-06)__ "The Messiah, the Master, has been born in __Bethlehem__!"