Bethlehem moves?

[Michael96]

In today’s *One Year Bible *reading (Joshua 20) we read more about the division of Israel between the tribes under Joshua. Bethlehem is described as being in the province of Zebulun which lies on the horizintal line between the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean Sea.

But today Bethlehem is located south of Jerusalem.

Are the two Bethlehems totally independent or did it move? Anyone know the inside scoop on why and when Bethlehem appears to move?

 

[NotWorthy]

This comes from the NAB commentary.

Bethlehem of Zebulun was, of course, distinct from the city of the same name in Judah.

 

[SpiritMeadow]

The New Jerusalem also says they are two different cities.

 

[Michael96]

Thanks both; I suspected that was the case but did just wonder if there might be an exciting little story of a whole town deciding to move

 

[NotWorthy]

Thanks both; I suspected that was the case but did just wonder if there might be an exciting little story of a whole town deciding to move

This is not a unique case in Israel. I think there was more than one Bethany as well, if I recall correctly.

 

[porthos11]

This is not a unique case in Israel. I think there was more than one Bethany as well, if I recall correctly.

Yes. Bethany in Judea and Transjordianinan Bethany (aka Bethany-beyond-Jordan).

There were also two Caesareas as well (although the second is properly called Caesarea Philippi).