"The Tower of the Flock"

The Birthplace of Christ

And thou, O tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem. Micah 4:8

Seven hundred years before the birth of Christ, the Jewish prophet Micah foretold the birthplace of the Messiah. The Tower of the Flock, (Migdal Edar in Hebrew), was first mentioned in Genesis 35:21, in connection with the death of Jacob's wife, Rachel. In ancient times, it was also a military watchtower, to view the valley near what was later called Bethlehem. From David and Solomon's day, until the time of Jesus' birth, it became the functioning tower of the flock. It was there where the sacrificial lambs were prepared, and the priests examined, cleaned, and wrapped (in swaddling clothes) the newborn lambs . These lambs were designated for sacrifice, for the sins of the people, at the Temple in Jerusalem.

The Levitical shepherds knew the prophetic promise of the coming Messiah, and the importance of Migdal Edar. They knew the lambs must be without spot or blemish, and it was their job to deliver and watch over them. In Luke 2:11-12, the angel of the Lord said to the shepherds, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." The priestly shepherds knew exactly where to go.

And so the shepherds came with haste, and found the "Lamb of God"(John 1:29), who was without spot or blemish, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

As we celebrate this Christmas, let us remember the gift of God to all mankind. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Alfred Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company: Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1971 (3rd ed./1973), Book II, Chapter VI, pp.186-187.

http://bible-truth.org/BirthplaceofJesus.html

King James Version Copyright@2004 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.