Bethlehem is a small town in Judah, but it holds profound significance in the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. It is first mentioned in Genesis 35:19, where Rachel, Jacob’s wife, dies and is buried near “Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.”
The book of Ruth takes place largely in Bethlehem, where Ruth and Boaz’s union leads to the birth of Obed, the grandfather of King David (Ruth 4:21-22). Thus, Bethlehem becomes the city of David, Israel’s beloved king.
The most important prophetic declaration concerning Bethlehem comes from Micah 5:2: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.” This points directly to the birth of the Messiah.
That prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Luke 2:4-7 records how Joseph and Mary traveled there for the census, and Jesus was born in a humble setting. The angels announced His birth to shepherds nearby, declaring, “There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
Bethlehem, though small and unassuming, was the birthplace of the King of kings. It reflects the humility of Christ’s coming and the precision of God’s prophetic Word.
