A side from being the birthplace of king David, Bethlehem was also known as the burial place of Rachel, beloved wife of Jacob ben Isaac, and mother of Joseph and Benjamin. The town and its environs were often called “the land of Benjamin.” When Rachel died, Jacob erected a stone edifice there later to be known as the pillar of Rachel. Of this place Jeremiah prophesied,

Thus speaks the LORD: "A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."

These words burned fiercely in the hearts of all Israelites who longed for hope in the promise that followed:

Thus speaks the LORD: "Refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for your work shall be rewarded, says the LORD, and they shall come back from the land of the enemy. There is hope in your future, says the LORD, that your children shall come back to their own border.

The people of Judea, indeed all Israelites began to view themselves as the “children of Rachel” and waited for the promised deliverance. And when the prophet Micah prophesied,

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One who is to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting."

It was not an impossible leap of logic for the Rabbis and teachers to conclude that Bethlehem would be the birthplace of Messiah, the One to deliver Rachel’s children from the terrible bitterness of her tears.

Joseph wandered to the edge of town. Later people would know, or thought they knew, the precise spot where Rachel was buried. But in Joseph’s time, they knew only that it was “a little distance” and the general direction from Bethlehem. “Somewhere out here,” he thought, “is where Mother Rachel is buried. Oh, if she only knew, if she only knew.” His thoughts began to excite as his feelings enlarged. “This is it!” he exclaimed. “This is the place where with Hermas’ help — with God’s help — I will build my home, where I will earn my bread with the skill in my hands.” I will take upon me the trait of Mother Rachel. I will never give up! I will not despair! The story of Ruth took place here. Nearby was where Samuel anointed David. So, Joseph dreamed and planned. Such is the way with men — but not with God. As it is with most men, he was not really aware of what God was doing. Above him in the eastern sky, a distant star glinted unnoticed.

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