City of Bethlehem

Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

Roman Census

     It would appear it took Joseph, and a heavily pregnant Mary riding on a donkey, about a five-day journey (possibly longer) to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Bethlehem is situated in the Judaean Hills 5 miles (8 km) south of Jerusalem. Bethlehem was a small farming and sheep town with many shepherds living there.

     The City of Bethlehem is mentioned in 12 Books of the Old Testament most notability:

MICAH 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

⇛ continue with The Manger
⇛ return to Birth of Jesus or Church