A small city located five miles south of Jerusalem. In Hebrew, Bethlehem means “house of bread”; it is also called Ephrath, meaning “fruitful.” Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem (Micah 5: 2; Matt. 2: 1-8). It is the burial place of Rachel (Gen. 35: 19; 48: 7).

Ruth and Boaz lived there, Ruth 1: 22. Samuel anointed David there, 1 Sam. 16: 1-13; 17: 12, 15; 20: 6, 28. Herod had the children slain there, Matt. 2: 16.