What Bethlehem Really Looked Like In The Bible
The modern city of Bethlehem is located on the West Bank — a historically disputed territory at the center of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Despite being at war for many years, the region has a rich history that can be traced to the Bible, in which Bethlehem is regarded as a holy city and the birthplace of Jesus, per Learn Religions. Because of these claims, the area is the site of annual pilgrimages from millions of Christians around the world, and today it is a Palestinian city with over 20,000 residents, Vox reports. Like every present-day city, Bethlehem offers fast-food restaurants, museums, and historical places like the Mar Saba Monastery (pictured above), which is an ancient structure built in A.D. 5.
There are countless references to Bethlehem in the Bible. And while what it looks like today might be unrecognizable from how it was described in the religious text, you don’t need to use your imagination — there are several parts of the Bible that detail what the city might have looked like centuries ago.
Biblical Bethlehem
In ancient times, Bethlehem was known as Ephratah, as well as Bet Lehem, Bethlehem Ephrathah, and Bethlehem-Judah, via Britannica. In one of the very first mentions of it in the Bible — Genesis 35, verse 19 — it is named as the burial ground of a woman named Rachel, which remains there today, RTE reports. It is also mentioned as the birthplace of David, who eventually became the king of Israel.
Bethlehem is south of the city of Jerusalem and is described as a hilly and mountainous area that sits high above sea level, per Learn Religions. There was also a gate to the city, which played a key role in an event that is referenced in 2 Samuel 23, verse 16, when Bethlehem sees military occupation: “The three mighty warriors broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David.”
This particular well is mentioned again in 1 Chronicles 11, verse 17: “David longed, and said, ‘Oh that one would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!'” The continued reference of the well suggests that Bethlehem was not an area with an easily accessible water supply.
Typical buildings in ancient Bethlehem
The city of Bethlehem was also built up by Rehoboam — the king of Judah (modern-day Israel). In 2 Chronicles 11, verses 5-12, the Bible says that he fortified Bethlehem and other surrounding areas, and is responsible for the fruitful land that surrounds the city. He also built fortresses and had them guarded — some which are still standing today (via Bible Places).
Another common belief is that because many housing structures were situated in front of caves, Jesus was likely born in one. Indeed, this appears to be supported by Luke 2, verse 7. After giving birth, it says Mary has to wrap baby Jesus due to a lack of room where they were located: “And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”
Based on what we already know about the early architecture in the years before and after Jesus was born, we know that palaces, religious temples, fortresses, and bathhouses were common structures in Bethlehem. Modern infrastructure — like paved roads — didn’t exist, and most houses were built with stone and constructed with the idea that they would be places for sleeping, cooking, and keeping warm (via Bible History).
202 thoughts on “What Bethlehem Really Looked Like In The Bible”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Why Some Thought A Mummy's Curse Could Have Sunk The Titanic
How Malcolm X And Muhammad Ali Finally Met
The Terrible Consequences Of The Great Leap Forward
The Truth About The Spokane Killer's Childhood
The Weird Drink Tour De France Riders Enjoyed In The Early 1900s
This Was The Last Major Movie Released On VHS
How Many Victims Did The Green River Killer Actually Have?
How Many Victims Did Serial Killer Wayne Williams Actually Have?
The Truth About Jimmy Carter's Sketchy Brother
What You Should Know About The Palace Of Versailles' Hall Of Mirrors
Can I simply say what a relief to find somebody who really knows what they’re talking about online. You certainly know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people ought to read this and understand this side of the story. It’s surprising you’re not more popular because you certainly have the gift.
Hi there! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My blog looks weird when viewing from my iphone 4. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to correct this problem. If you have any suggestions, please share. Cheers!
I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This post posted at this website is actually pleasant.
Usually I do not read article on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very pressured me to take a look at and do so! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thank you, quite great article.
It’s an remarkable article in favor of all the internet viewers; they will get benefit from it I am sure.
Hey very interesting blog!
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this post and the rest of the site is also very good.
No matter if some one searches for his required thing, thus he/she wants to be available that in detail, thus that thing is maintained over here.
I really appreciate this post. I have been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thanks again