Ancient Bethlehem Evidence Found

Bethlehem (Painting, 1882)

Archaeologists have found some evidence of the existence of ancient Bethlehem:

Archaeologists uncover proof that Bethlehem existed centuries pre-Jesus

Reuters – May 23, 2012

Israeli archaeologists said on Wednesday they had discovered the first physical evidence supporting Old Testament accounts of Bethlehem’s existence centuries before the town became revered as the birthplace of Jesus.The proof came, they said, in a clay seal unearthed near the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem and imprinted with three lines of ancient Hebrew script that include the word “Bethlehem”…“This is the first time the name Bethlehem appears outside the Bible in an inscription from the First Temple period,” Shukron said in a statement, referring to the years 1006 BC to 586 BC.

The coin-sized remnant of the seal proves that Bethlehem – first mentioned in the Book of Genesis – “was indeed a city in the Kingdom of Judah, and possibly also in earlier periods”, he said. http://photoblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/23/11827994-archaeologists-uncover-proof-that-bethlehem-existed-centuries-pre-jesus?lite

Of course, those of us who believe the Bible, knew that Bethlehem existed for a long time.

As we get closer to the end, it is interesting that archeologists continue to find more evidence of biblical peoples, places, figures, and events.

The name “Bethlehem” is mentioned 49 times in the Bible (NKJV).

The first place that it is mentioned in the Bible is in the Book of Genesis:

19 So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). (Genesis 35:19)

One of its most famous mentions is in the following prophecy related to the coming of Jesus:

2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
The One to be Ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From everlasting.”
3 Therefore He shall give them up,
Until the time that she who is in labor has given birth;
Then the remnant of His brethren
Shall return to the children of Israel.
4 And He shall stand and feed His flock
In the strength of the Lord,
In the majesty of the name of the Lord His God;
And they shall abide,
For now He shall be great
To the ends of the earth;
5 And this One shall be peace. (Micah 5:2-5)

Of course, Bethlehem is mentioned in the New Testament. Here are a few quotes:

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.'” (Matthew 2:1-6)

4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:4-7)

Although Jesus was born in Bethlehem as scripture teaches, many erroneously believe He was born in a particular grotto/cave, that really was not possible (for details, please see Was Jesus Born in the Grotto of the Nativity?). Basically, although the sun-god Mithras was born in a cavern/grotto (see also Do You Practice Mithraism?), the cavern/grotto that many claimed Jesus was born in does not seem to square with the details of his place of birth as explained in the Bible.

But of course, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, and Bethlehem did anciently exist. And now, there is earlier archaeological evidence that confirms Bethlehem existence as taught in the Bible.

The Bible has proven trustworthy and will again (certain “traditions” though supposedly related to it are another matter).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Was Jesus Born in the Grotto of the Nativity? Was Jesus born in a below ground cave? Was Jesus born below the “Church of the Nativity”? Were the wise men there?
Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. December 25th was celebrated as his birthday. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity?
Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings Are traditions on equal par with scripture? Many believe that is what Peter, John, and Paul taught. But did they?
Is Keeping Christmas a Sin? Is keeping Christmas acceptable for true Christians? What are some scriptures to consider?
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them? Is December 25th Jesus’ birthday or that of the sun god?
The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
Biblical Archaeology This is a website that has more information on biblical archeological as is sometimes known as the Bib Arch site.