Bethlehem

House of bread. (1) Bethlehem-Judah, also called Ephrath (Gen. 35:19; 48:7), five miles south of Jerusalem (Judg. 17:7–10; 19:1–2, 18); Ruth and Boaz at Bethlehem, see Ruth; Samuel anoints David at Bethlehem (1 Sam. 16; 17:12, 15; 20:6, 28; 2 Sam. 2:32); well of Bethlehem (2 Sam. 23:13–17, 24; 1 Chr. 2:51, 54; 4:4; 11:15–19, 26; 2 Chr. 11:6; Ezra 2:21; Neh. 7:26; Jer. 41:17); Christ’s birthplace (Matt. 2:1–8; see also Micah 5:2; Luke 2:4, 15; John 7:42); Herod slays children at Bethlehem (Matt. 2:16).

(2) In Zebulun (Josh. 19:15; Judg. 12:8, 10).