Introduction:
Bethlehem-Judah, often simply referred to as Bethlehem, is a significant location in biblical history. It is situated in the territory of Judah, approximately six miles south of Jerusalem. The name "Bethlehem" means "House of Bread," and it is distinguished from another Bethlehem located in the territory of Zebulun. Bethlehem-Judah holds a prominent place in the biblical narrative, serving as the backdrop for several key events and figures.

Biblical Significance:

1. Ancestral Home of David:
Bethlehem-Judah is most famously known as the birthplace and ancestral home of King David. In 1 Samuel 16:1, the LORD instructs Samuel to anoint David, the son of Jesse, from Bethlehem: "The LORD said to Samuel, 'How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen one of his sons to be king.'" . This connection to David establishes Bethlehem as a city of royal lineage.

2. Ruth and Boaz:
The Book of Ruth provides a touching narrative set in Bethlehem-Judah. Ruth, a Moabite widow, returns with her mother-in-law Naomi to Bethlehem, where she meets Boaz. Their union is significant as it leads to the genealogy of David. Ruth 1:22 states, "So Naomi returned from the land of Moab with her daughter-in-law Ruth the Moabitess. They arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest." .

3. Birthplace of Jesus Christ:
Bethlehem-Judah is most renowned in Christian tradition as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The prophecy in Micah 5:2 foretells this event: "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." . The fulfillment of this prophecy is recorded in the New Testament, where Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem for a census, and Jesus is born there (Luke 2:4-7).

4. Rachel's Tomb:
Bethlehem-Judah is also associated with the burial place of Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife. Genesis 35:19 records, "So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)." . This site has been revered throughout history and remains a place of pilgrimage.

5. The City of Bread:
The meaning of Bethlehem as "House of Bread" is symbolically significant in the context of Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the "Bread of Life" in John 6:35. This connection underscores the spiritual nourishment that Christ provides to believers.

Historical and Archaeological Context:
Bethlehem-Judah has been continuously inhabited since ancient times. Archaeological excavations have uncovered artifacts and structures that attest to its long history. The city's strategic location near major trade routes contributed to its development and significance in the region.

Cultural and Religious Impact:
Bethlehem-Judah's role in biblical history has made it a focal point for Christian pilgrimage. The Church of the Nativity, built over the traditional site of Jesus' birth, is one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Conclusion:
Bethlehem-Judah's rich biblical heritage and its association with key figures and events make it a cornerstone of Judeo-Christian history. Its legacy continues to inspire faith and devotion among believers worldwide.

History of the Interpretation.
... that Ruler is to be descended are of old, and of the days of eternity, ie, of the
seed of David, and the rod of Jesse, which is of Bethlehem-Judah." On the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/history of the interpretation.htm

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands ...
... Joshua 19:15. But in that case, we should rather have expected the common
Bethlehem Judah, instead of Bethlehem Ephratah. There can ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap v 1.htm

The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
... The reason of this deviation is to be sought for in the circumstance, that the place
appears as Bethlehem Judah in 1 Samuel 17:12, where it is mentioned with a ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the quotation in matt ii.htm

In Judaea
... vii. 5). [25] In Echa R. 72 a, there is a tradition that the Messiah was to be born
"in the Castle Arba of Bethlehem Judah." Caspari quotes this in ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 5 in judaea.htm

Bethlehem-judah (3 Occurrences)
... Bethlehemjudah, Bethlehem-judah. Beth-lehem-judah . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(DBY). Bethlehemjudah, Bethlehem-judah. Beth-lehem-judah . Reference Bible
/b/bethlehem-judah.htm - 7k

Bethlehemjudah (9 Occurrences)
...Bethlehemjudah (9 Occurrences). Judges 17:7 And there was a young man out of
Bethlehemjudah of the family of Judah, who was a Levite, and he sojourned there. ...
/b/bethlehemjudah.htm - 9k

Bethlehem (49 Occurrences)
... beth'-le-hem (bethlechem; Baithleem, or Bethleem, "house of David," or possibly
"the house of Lakhmu," an Assyrian deity): I. BethlehemJudah: BethlehemJudah...
/b/bethlehem.htm - 31k

Sojourn (51 Occurrences)
... And he said unto him, I am a Levite of Bethlehemjudah, and I go to sojourn ... A certain
man of BethlehemJudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his ...
/s/sojourn.htm - 24k

Farther (33 Occurrences)
... in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the farther side of the
hill country of Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of BethlehemJudah. ...
/f/farther.htm - 19k

Naomi (25 Occurrences)
... and mother of Mahlon and Chilion, and mother-in-law of Ruth (1:2, 20, 21; 2:1).
Elimelech and his wife left the district of Bethlehem-Judah, and found a new ...
/n/naomi.htm - 17k

Ephrathite (3 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A citizen of Ephratah, the old name of Bethlehem (Ruth
1:2; 1 Samuel 17:12), or Bethlehem-Judah. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/e/ephrathite.htm - 7k

Elimelech (6 Occurrences)
... e-lim'-e-lek ('elimelekh, "my God is king"; Abeimelech, Alimelek): Elimelech was
a member of the tribe of Judah, a native of BethlehemJudah, a man of wealth ...
/e/elimelech.htm - 10k

Concubine (21 Occurrences)
... in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the farther side of the
hill country of Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of BethlehemJudah. ...
/c/concubine.htm - 15k

Chilion (3 Occurrences)
... kil'-i-on (kilyon, "pining," "wasting away"): One of the two sons of Elimelech and
Naomi, "Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem-judah" (Ruth 1:2). With ...
/c/chilion.htm - 8k

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