Michael R. Baggett

Did you know the Bible mentions more than one Bethlehem? There are two towns named Bethlehem in the Bible. One of these Bethlehems is especially important to Bible prophecy in proving that Jesus is the Christ who has come into the world.

There is one Bethlehem about 5-6 miles Northwest of Nazareth which is in the territory of Zebulun. Many Bible readers are unaware of its existence. The Bible mentions this Bethlehem in Joshua 19:15-16 as one of the cities divided to the tribe of Zebulun.  Judges 12:8-10 mentions this Bethlehem which was the home of one of the judges named Ibzan.

The other Bethlehem is about six miles South of Jerusalem in the territory of Judah. When this Bethlehem is mentioned, the inspired writers specify its location. There can be no mistaking which Bethlehem is meant when we read about the events of David's ancestors in the Book of Ruth (Ruth 1:2). David, himself, was born in Bethlehem (1Samuel 17:12). This Bethlehem is referred to as the “City of David” (Luke 2:4). It was foretold by the Prophet Micah that Jesus Christ would be born in Bethlehem Judah:

“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).

The Bethlehem that the “ruler in Israel,” Jesus, would be born is specified among the thousands of Judah as Bethlehem Ephratah. Ephratah was close on the way to Bethlehem (Genesis 35:19), but later was considered one area. In the Book of Ruth, Elimelech and his family are described as “...Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah...” (Ruth 1:2). Though some commentators argue now that Jesus was born in the Northern Bethlehem near Nazareth, Micah 5:2 makes it clear that Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem Ephratah (see Bible History Daily, “Where was Jesus born,” Megan Sauter, March 23, 2024). This proves that you must know your Bible and be prepared to answer false doctrines men teach in religious articles on the internet, books and social media (1 Peter 3:15). One would have to deny the Bible to teach that Jesus was born somewhere other than Bethlehem of Judah! Our hope in Christ is based largely on the truthfulness of Bible prophecies. The fulfillment of Jesus being born in Bethlehem Ephratah in Judah is found in Matthew 2:1 and Luke 2:4-7. The prophecy happened just as Micah predicted as he was moved by the Holy Spirit!

Note that this is an insignificant city. It is said to be “...little among the thousands of Judah...” (Micah 5:2). Jesus was not born in Jerusalem as the book of Morman declares (see Alma 7:10), but little Bethlehem, the City of David (Luke 4:4-7). Jesus was born with a humble beginning in His birth. Jesus was not born in a motel but rather in what we understand to be a stable in a “barn” where cows and donkeys feed and sleep. There was no room for Mary and Joseph in the inn so Jesus would be born in a stable. During his ministry, Jesus did not have His own place of his own to lay His head (Matthew 8:19-20). Jesus humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross where He died for you and me (Philippians 2:5-11). Jesus' whole life on earth represented one of humility.

The fulfillment of the prophecy of where Jesus would be born should inspire your faith in God, Jesus Christ, and the Bible. From the little town of Bethlehem Ephratah came the greatest significance in that Jesus the Savior of the world was born there. Jesus came into the world that through Him the world might be saved (John 3:17). One day Jesus will come again to judge the world (Acts 17:30-31). Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Have you had your sins washed away in the precious Blood of Jesus Christ?