Matthew 2 Commentary

Why is Bethlehem specified as “of Judea”?
Israel had two towns named “Bethlehem” during this era. Bethlehem of Galilee was located in the region given to the tribe of Zebulun in northern Israel (see Joshua 19:15), while Bethlehem of Judea, where Jesus was born, was located 6 kilometers (4 miles) south of “Jerusalem” (Matthew 2:1), the largest city in Judea and the capital of Israel. Bethlehem of Judea is also known as “Ephrath” (see Genesis 35:19).

Where is “Judea” (Matthew 2:1)?
See Judea.

How large was Bethlehem of Judea?
It is a city of 25,000 today. Two thousand years ago, it was a small town of a few hundred residents.

Why was the town where Jesus will be born named “Bethlehem”?
“Bethlehem” in Hebrew means the “house” (bet) of “bread” (lehem). Jesus, the "Bread of Life" (John 6:48), chose to enter humanity through a bakery.

Who were the “wise men from the east” (Matthew 2:1)?
See wise men.

Why did the prophecy say in the land of “Judah” (Matthew 2:6) instead of “Judea” (Matthew 2:5)?
Judah was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, from whom the nation of Israel descended. The descendants of Judah became the tribe of Judah, and Judea was roughly the region that had been given to the tribe of Judah some fourteen hundred years before Jesus was born.

Who is “Herod the king” (Matthew 2:3)?
See King Herod.

Who is “the prophet” (Matthew 2:5)?
Micah, who had prophesied in the 8th century BC, “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 origin is from of old, from eternity” (Micah 5:2).