– DVD video chapter – Bethlehem

– Location –

Despite its small size in biblical times, Bethlehem was the location of significant historical events.  Both King David and Ruth lived in Bethlehem during a portion of their and both of them are listed in the lineage of Jesus the Messiah.  Despite her past in a sinful nation, Ruth had an integral role in God’s plan of redemption, which was fulfilled by the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.  Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, Micah prophesied that the Messiah would come out of Bethlehem.  

– Scripture –

·         Genesis 35:19 - Rachel gives birth to Benjamin outside the city, but dies during childbirth.  She is buried on the outskirts of the city.

·         Judges 19 - The story of the Levite and his concubine begins in Bethlehem.

·         Ruth 1-2 - The beginning of the story of Ruth takes place in the Bethlehem region.

·         1 Samuel 16 - David, a native of Bethlehem, is anointed by Samuel to be the King of Israel.

·         Matthew 2, Luke 2 - Jesus is born in Bethlehem.

– Questions –

1.     What does Bethlehem mean?  Called the house of what?

2.   Why do we know this is the authentic place where Jesus was born?

3.  Who else was born in Bethlehem?

 – Map (from www.anova.org) – http://www.anova.org/sev/atlas/htm/105.htm