Post by toddandmaribel on Jan 2, 2017 5:07:47 GMT
Bethlehem was the birthplace of three significant men: Benjamin, David and the Lord Jesus. Benjamin's name means, the Son of the Right Hand, and as such points forward to the Lord Jesus (Psa. 110:1). Rachel died in giving birth to Benjamin, and before her death called him Ben-oni, or The Son of my sorrow. But his father changed his name to Ben- jamin. In like manner, there was sorrow in Bethlehem at the birth of the Lord, and figuratively the weeping voice of Rachel was again heard (see Matt. 2:16- 18). To Israel after the flesh, the Lord was "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief," but his Father called him to the heavens, and constituted him the Son
of His Right Hand.
Bethlehem Judah signifies TheHouse
of Bread and Praise. It is also called Ephrath" (Gen. 35:18 20), signifying Λ Place of Fruit, doubtless because of its well known fertility. A lovely green ridge overshadows a small plain in which grain is sown, and this is pointed out as the place where Ruth gleaned in the fields of Boaz. Close to the traditional field, and about one mile east of Bethlehem, is the Shepherds' Field, where, it is suggested, the angels announced the birth of Messiah. Bethlehem was but a village, so small as not to be mentioned among the cities of Judah (Josh. 15); Micah de scribes it as "little among the thousands of Judah" (Mic. 5:2). Yet out of this insignificant place, Yahweh destined great things; for "out of thee shall he come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel." In like manner, "God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty" (1 Cor. 1:27) in that He selects humble men and women for a glorious destiny yet to be revealed.
From Ruth expositor by bro Mansfield
of His Right Hand.
Bethlehem Judah signifies TheHouse
of Bread and Praise. It is also called Ephrath" (Gen. 35:18 20), signifying Λ Place of Fruit, doubtless because of its well known fertility. A lovely green ridge overshadows a small plain in which grain is sown, and this is pointed out as the place where Ruth gleaned in the fields of Boaz. Close to the traditional field, and about one mile east of Bethlehem, is the Shepherds' Field, where, it is suggested, the angels announced the birth of Messiah. Bethlehem was but a village, so small as not to be mentioned among the cities of Judah (Josh. 15); Micah de scribes it as "little among the thousands of Judah" (Mic. 5:2). Yet out of this insignificant place, Yahweh destined great things; for "out of thee shall he come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel." In like manner, "God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty" (1 Cor. 1:27) in that He selects humble men and women for a glorious destiny yet to be revealed.
From Ruth expositor by bro Mansfield