Page 41 - Bible Geography and Near East Studies - Textbook w videos short

A tax with God’s perfect timing

Jesus was born in 4 BC in Bethlehem. Joseph and Mary lived
in Nazareth, 80 miles to the north.

Why do you suppose they would travel to Bethlehem, south
of Jerusalem, right before His birth? After all, Mary was full
term in her pregnancy! The reason was because Rome
decreed it.

For the first time in history, Rome decreed that every Jewish
person, both man and woman had to return to the hometown
of their birthright in order to register for the Roman tax.

Previously, everyone registered in the city in which they were
living. But this time was different.

Since both Joseph’s and Mary’s lineage went through David,
they were required to register in Bethlehem. Despite the fact
that Mary was in her final month of pregnancy, she had to
make a terribly difficult journey of some 90 miles. More than
likely, Mary and Joseph walked to Bethlehem by way of the
Jordan River Road, via Jericho. It’s highly unlikely that they
would have gone through hostile Samaria.

But because of the Roman decree, Mary’s child was born in
Bethlehem and prophecy was fulfilled with perfect timing!

Herod the Great

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