Bethlehem, Israel (Overview)
City:
Bethlehem
State, Province, Region, or District:
West Bank
Country:
Israel
Overview
Bethlehem holds immense religious significance in both Judaism and Christianity as the birthplace of King David and, most famously, as the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
In the Old Testament, Bethlehem is mentioned in Genesis as the place where the matriarch Rachel died (Genesis 35:16-20) and was buried. It is also the hometown of David (1 Samuel 17:12), who was anointed king of Israel there by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 16:1). Then in the New Testament, Bethlehem was the site of Jesus' birth (Luke 2:7-16), fulfilling an Old Testament prophecy that the Messiah would be born there (Micah 5:2).
The city is home to the Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world, built over the cave (Grotto of the Nativity) where Jesus is traditionally believed to have been born. Nearby sites include the Shepherds' Fields and Rachel's Tomb, which is Judaism's third holiest site.
In addition, a cave complex connected to the cave where Jesus was born is also the location where Jerome lived while translating the Bible from Hebrew to Latin, the language of the Roman Empire.
Alternate Names
Beit Lahm; Beit Sahur; Bet Lehem; Betar; Beth-Lehem; Beth-lehem-ephratah; Bethlehemjudah; Bit-Lahmi; City of David; Ephratah; Ephrath
Geography & Location
Bethlehem is 5.5 miles south-southwest of Jerusalem, 13.5 miles north-northeast of Hebron, 15 miles west of the Dead Sea, and just east of the main north-south ridge route through the hill country of Judah.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
Bethlehem was a Canaanite village before the conquest of the Israelites in around 1406 BC.
Architecture
The architecture of Bethlehem is characterized by its Ottoman-era historic center, which features narrow streets, stone structures, and narrow windows, as well as a skyline with towers, domes, and spires from later additions like monasteries. Key structures include the ancient Church of the Nativity, a complex of monastic buildings that has been altered over centuries, and more modern structures built in recent years that aim to preserve the city's historical character while incorporating new designs.
Biblical & Historical References
Jacob’s wife, Rachel, died and was buried in Bethlehem (Genesis 35:16-20).
Spiritual Lessons and Application
Bethlehem was the prophesied birthplace of Christ. Christ fulfilled over 200 prophecies regarding his first coming. The fulfillment of prophecy proves that Christ was the Son of God and that the Bible is inspired.
Site Visit
The modern city stretches out from the historic center in all directions. Today, Bethlehem is controlled by the Palestinian Authority and has a population of about 22,000 not including the suburbs of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour.
Places of Interest
Rachel’s Tomb