Ezra 2:21

Beth-lehem or -the house of bread": sometimes called Bethlehem of Judah to distinguish it from the Bethlehem in Zebulon (Joshua 19:15). Its name implies the fruitfulness of the soil. The name of Ephrath or Ephratah by which it was known in earlier times has also the meaning of plenty (cf. Genesis 35:19; Micah 5:1; Ruth 1:2). The story of Ruth lies in Bethlehem. Ibzan the Judge was a native of Bethlehem (Judges 12:8). Its greatest fame in the O. T. is derived from its having been the birthplace of David (1 Samuel 17:12) and of the sons of Zeruiah (2 Samuel 2:32). It was only a village, but the prophet predicted its glory in the Messianic future (Micah 5:1), in words, of which the literal fulfilment is recorded in Matthew 2:1 &c.; Luke 2:1 &c.; cf. John 7:42.

It is situated about 5 miles S. of Jerusalem on high ground, some 2500 ft. above the level of the sea.