What was special about Bethlehem that it was chosen as the birthplace of the Messiah? We need to take a deeper look at this quiet, insignificant village, that lay 9 kilometres away in the outer precincts of Jerusalem. An almost unnoticed, poor village.

Biblically Historical

Bethlehem is first mentioned in Genesis. Rachel, the beloved wife of Isaac died giving birth to Benjamin, having suffered a severe labour, Genesis 35 39. She was buried on the way to Ephrath, the ancient name for Bethlehem.

Thousands of years later another mother would give birth in Bethlehem to a son who would cause her immense joy and immense grief. The long prophesied Messiah and the reason the Temple hierarchy kept an eye on Bethlehem.

Ruth, a Moabitess, became a resident of Bethlehem when she refused to leave her bereaved mother-in-law, Ruth 1:16. She became the great-grandmother of David and one of the only two gentile females mentioned in the genealogy of Christ, Matthew 1: 5. She was prophetic of all the gentiles who would be grafted into the olive tree, Israel, through Jesus Christ, Romans 11:11-24,

Kings Came out of Bethlehem

Bethlehem also played a vital role in the life of King David, for it was also his birthplace. It was where the young David, from the tribe of Judah, was anointed the next king of Israel, 1 Samuel 16. He was chosen to succeed King Saul, who was from the tribe of Benjamin.

A young shepherd boy, the youngest in the family, would one day become the greatest king Israel has had on earth, apart from the Messiah. David’s strength of character was first developed while watching over his father’s sheep on the hillside, where he probably composed many of the psalms.

The greatest king ever would also come from Bethlehem. A king who was born among the animals in a humble stable, in a cave carved out of the hillside. The Messiah and Saviour of the world, John 3:16.

Water of Life

David was king over only Judah and doing battle against the Philistines who had a garrison in Bethlehem. David suddenly had a craving for the sweet water from the well by the gate of Bethlehem. Long ago memories of drinking from that well while growing up overwhelmed him.

Three of his strong men broke through the Philistine camp and drew water from the well which they carried back to David. He refused to drink the water because of the terrible risk his men had taken. Instead, he poured the water out as a drink offering unto the Lord, 1 Chronicles 11:15-19.

All this being prophetic of the One born in Bethlehem, who would provide living water. ‘Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst’, John 4:14.

Bethlehem in Time of Jesus

Bethlehem was a poor town where caves were often modified to be used for housing live stock. There was nothing of beauty about the town, but the surrounding land provided fertile ground for wheat and barley, as seen in the book of Ruth 1:22, 2:1-3, 4:11. It was a farming area of grain fields, with sheep and goats grazing the hillsides and small groves of olive trees.

It was only a village, yet the angel called it the city of David. ‘Today in the city of David there has been born for you a Saviour who is Christ the Lord’, Luke 2:11. This fulfilled the prophecy of Micah 5:2, But as for you Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah. From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.

Prophetic Name

Bethlehem means ‘the house of bread’. From this tiny village came the One who would say, I Am the bread of life, John 6:48. He was the bread that came down out of heaven so that one may eat of it and not die, John 61:50.

The second name Ephrathah is an ancient name for Bethlehem. It has the meaning to be fruitful. Jesus said to His disciples about abiding in Him. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples, John 15:7,8.

Those who have the word of God abiding in them and pray, believing the Father will answer them will bear fruit. They will also be pruned to bear more fruit, John 15:2. What began in the house of bread has produced fruit worldwide. Christians numbered at around 2.4 billion in 2023, representing nearly one-third of the world’s population.

National Census

All who dwelt under Roman rule had to return to their birthplace so that their names could be recorded. Rome wanted to make sure that all the conquered people were paying their due taxes, Luke 2.

All who were descendants of King David were forced to report to their hometown of Bethlehem. Therefore, the recently wed Joseph had to take Mary, his heavily pregnant wife, on an arduous journey back to Bethlehem.

Extended Family

King David was ten centuries in the past and the king’s extended family constituted a small nation in itself. They were all of the tribe of Judah which had long been the largest tribe

The small village of Bethlehem was overrun with aunts, uncles and cousins many times removed. Finding a bed for the night would have been a nightmare, no matter how many homes became makeshift accommodation providers. Finding shelter in a stable was the best Joseph could do. Definitely no palace for the King of Kings, who left His home in glory. For our sakes He became poor, 2 Corinthians 8:9.

Unexpected Adoration

The first adoration of the baby Jesus came from the lowest group in the community. Shepherds were looked down on by pious Jews, as occupation kept them from faithfully keeping the ritual precepts of the law.

They were considered unclean, being daily in contact with dirty, smelly sheep. Yet, they were privileged to be sent by an angelic host, Luke 2:8-20, to be the first people to adore the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The Lamb slain before the foundation of the earth, Revelation 13:8. The Greatest Shepherd of all.

Upside Down or Right Side Up

From the choosing of Bethlehem to the shepherds in the field, the birth of Christ turned everything upside down, or is that right side up? Everything that was despised in the natural, heralded in the most momentous event the world has ever seen, next to the death and resurrection of the Saviour of the world.

Bethlehem, a little despised village. A despised stable. A newborn baby adored by a despised group of humans. All welcomed in what would eventually be celebrated worldwide.

Christmas Today

Yet, sadly today Christ is almost eliminated from the glitter and glamour of the event that bears His name. Many are called but few are chosen, Matthew 22:14. Like the shepherds of Bethlehem, let us make Christ as the centre and sole reason for rejoicing this Christmas.

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Dr. Wendy Stenberg-Tendys is a freelance writer who enjoys researching a topic and sharing words of encouragement from the Word of God.

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