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Main Biblical References for Bethlehem & its Surroundings
A clear, easy-to-browse presentation of the principal biblical references connected with Bethlehem, Beit Sahour and nearby biblical sites.
5Biblical site groups
Old & NewTestament references
1 pageOriginal source document
Bethlehem & its Surroundings in Scripture
From the patriarchs and David to the Nativity and the early Church
The biblical references of Bethlehem and its surroundings connect the region with Rachel, David, the prophecy and birth of the Messiah, the Shepherds’ Fields, Solomon’s works and important events in the Acts of the Apostles.
5
reference groups covering Bethlehem, Beit Sahour, the Pools of Solomon, the Fountain of Philip and Jaffa–Joppe–Lydda.
reference groups covering Bethlehem, Beit Sahour, the Pools of Solomon, the Fountain of Philip and Jaffa–Joppe–Lydda.
Browse by biblical site
Biblical References by Site
01
BethlehemEphrata · House of Bread · Fruitful
Genesis 35:19; 48:7
Tomb of Rachel.
Judges 17:7–13
Country of the Levite, in the service of Micah.
1 Chronicles 2:51
Origins of David.
1 Samuel 16:1
David is anointed king by Samuel.
Micah 5:1
Prophecy of the birth of the Messiah.
2 Samuel 23:14
Occupied by the Philistines.
2 Chronicles 11:6
Fortified by Rehoboam.
Luke 2:1–21
Birth of our Lord Jesus in Bethlehem.
Matthew 2:1–18
The infancy narrative in Bethlehem, including the visit of the Magi and the Holy Innocents.
John 7:41–42
Bethlehem is identified as the town of David.
02
Beit SahourThe Shepherds’ Fields
Ruth
History of Ruth and Boaz.
Luke 2:8–21
The Shepherds’ Fields and the announcement of the Nativity.
03
Pools of SolomonOrtas · Hortus Conclusus
Song of Songs 4:12
Hortus Conclusus — the enclosed garden.
Ecclesiastes 2:4
The work of Solomon.
04
Fountain of PhilipPhilip and the Ethiopian eunuch
Acts 8:26–40
Philip baptizes a eunuch of Ethiopia.
05
Jaffa · Joppe · LyddaFrom the tribe of Dan to Jonah and the Acts of the Apostles
Joshua 19:40–46
Territory of the tribe of Dan.
2 Chronicles 2:10–15
Construction material for the Temple arrives.
Esther 3:7
Reference listed in the original CICTS document.
1 Maccabees 12:24–34
Simon in Philistia.
Acts 9:32–35
Peter cures a paralytic at Lydda.
Acts 9:36–43
Peter raises a woman to life at Jaffa.
Jonah 1:3
History of Jonah.