Bethlehem, which means "house of bread," was originally called Ephrath (Genesis 35:16, 19; 48:7; Ruth 4:11). It is located about 5 miles south of Jerusalem, standing at an elevation of about 2,550 feet above
the sea, making it 100 feet higher than Jerusalem.
Bethlehem's (Ephrath) first mention in scripture centers around the burial of Jacob's wife Rachel, who died during labor (Genesis 35:19, 48:7). The city was also the birthplace of David and the location where he was anointed as king by
the prophet Samuel (1Samuel 16:4-13).
Shepherds, watching over their flocks in fields just east of Bethlehem, were the first people told of the birth of Jesus:
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore
afraid.
" And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this [shall be] a
sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger . . . . And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the
Lord hath made known unto us." (Luke 2:8-12, 15)
Scriptural References: Genesis 35, 48; Ruth 4; 1Samuel 16; Luke 2 (KJV Bible)
Sources Used: Easton's Bible Dictionary; Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible; Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible
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