Places in the Bible: Bethlehem in Palestine - History, Geography, Religion

The earliest human habitation in Bethlehem (today: Bayt Lahm, Arabic for 'house of meat') dates back to the Paleolithic era, but the earliest reference to Bethlehem appears in Egyptian diplomatic correspondence from the 14th century BCE. Jewish tradition has it that Ruth, great-grandmother of David, moved to Bethlehem. The village became his family home and this may be part of the reason why the prophet Micah says that a new king (Messiah) would one day come from Bethlehem. Read Article: Bethlehem in Palestine - History, Geography, Religion