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Bethlehem, O Holy Town
by PamFord Davis It was first known as Ephrath. "And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour (Genesis 35:16 KJV)." Ruth, faithful daughter in law of Naomi, gleaned the fields nearby. (Ruth 1:19-2:3) It was King David's home. (1 Samuel 16:4-13) After a time, it was Bethlehemjudah. "Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul (1 Samuel 17:12 KJV)." Micah saw the holy town's prophetic significance. "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 (Micah 5:2 KJV)." Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem, city of David. "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:) (Luke 2:4 KJV)." Wise men followed a star to Bethlehem. "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him (Matthew 2:1-2 KJV)." Bethlehem, O little town Published articles in Mature Living Magazine, Devotions for the Deaf, The Secret Place, Coosa Journal, Mary Hollingsworth's The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter, Jo Krueger's Every Day in God's Word. http://www.pamforddavis.com http://www.faithwriters.com/member-profile.php? Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |