Scripture: Matthew 2:13-18

Bethlehem was a Place of Death

 “Rachel went into labor, and she had hard labor. And when her labor was at its hardest, the midwife said to her, ‘Do not fear, for you have another son.’ And as her soul was departing (for she was dying), she called his name Ben-oni . . . So Rachel died, and she was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is Bethlehem).” (Genesis 35:16-19)

“When they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, ‘Is this Naomi?’ She said to them, ‘Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty.” (Ruth 1:19-21)

“Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem. . .” (Matthew 2:16)

“A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”  (Matthew 2:18)

Bethlehem was a Place of Life

“but his father called him Benjamin” (Genesis 35:18)

“Then the women said to Naomi, ‘Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! . . . A son has been born to Naomi.’ They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.” (Ruth 4:14-17)

“Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David. . . and while they were there, the time came for (Mary) to give birth.” (Luke 2:4-6)

“And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.” (Matthew 2:6)