Today as we continue on the road to Bethlehem, I want to read a little bit about Bethlehem and who is associated with it. Bethlehem means "house of bread." It is also known as Ephrath which means "place of fruitfulness." Several well known Old Testament people are associated with Bethlehem.
- Rachel (wife of Jacob) was buried near Bethlehem (Genesis 35:19)
- Elimelech was from Bethlehem. He was the husband of Naomi who went and died in Moab. Naomi returned to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law Ruth.
- Boaz, who married Ruth, was from Bethlehem, as was their son Obed and their grandson Jesse.
- Jesse was the father of David, the second King of Israel, writer of many Psalms, "a man after God's own heart," and one through whom the Messiah was promised.
Another well know prophecy of the Messiah focuses on Bethlehem.
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times. "
Micah 5:2
- Although many significant people came from Bethlehem, it was a city for one of the smallest tribes of Israel.
- This verse says talks about a "ruler over Israel." How does this remind you of Isaiah 9:7?
- The government shall be on his shoulders
- wonderful counselor
- Prince of Peace
- This verse also mentions "whose origins are from old, from ancient times." How does that remind you of Isaiah 9:7?
- Everlasting Father
- Jesus was born in Bethlehem and He is King of Kings and He has existed forver. Do you think Jesus fulfills this prophecy?
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