And Israel journeyed,.... Having stayed near Bethlehem, as it is said, about two months h; this is the first time Jacob is by Moses called Israel, after this name, was given him; the reason of which the Jews say is, because he bore the death of Rachel with so much patience:

and spread his tent beyond the tower of Eder; which was a place of pasturage, and fit for his flocks, see Micah 4:8; it was about a mile from Bethlehem to the south i, and is supposed to be the place where the shepherds were watching their flocks, when the angel reported to them the birth of Christ, Luke 2:8; pretty remarkable are the words added here in the Targum of Jonathan,

"the place from whence the King Messiah will be revealed in the end of days.''

h Shalshalet Hakabala, fol. 5. 2. i Bunting's Travels, p. 76.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising