with the wealthy Hebrews of that place (Er. ii. 4). Gaza, on whose "desert" road Philip

preached to and baptized the Ethiopian eunuch, counted not fewer than eight heathen

temples, besides an idol-shrine just outside the city. Still Jews were allowed to reside

there, probably on account of its important market.

Only two names yet remain to be mentioned, but those of the deepest and most solemn

interest. Bethlehem, the birthplace of our Lord, and Jerusalem, where He was crucified. It

deserves notice, that the answer which the Sanhedrists of old gave to the inquiries of

Herod (Matt 2:5) is equally returned in many Talmudical passages, and with the same

reference to Micah 5:2. It may therefore be regarded as a settled point that, according to

the Jewish fathers, Messiah, the Son of David, was to be born in Bethlehem of Judah.

But there is one passage in the Mishnah which throws such peculiar light on the Gospel

narrative, that it will be best to give it in its entirety. We know that, on the night in which

our Saviour was born, the angels' message came to those who probably alone of all in or

near Bethlehem were "keeping watch." For, close by Bethlehem, on the road to

Jerusalem, was a tower, known as Migdal Eder, the "watch-tower of the flock." For here

was the station where shepherd watched their flocks destined for sacrifices in the

Temple. So well known was this, that if animals were found as far from Jerusalem as

Migdal Eder, and within that circuit on every side, the males were offered as burnt-

offerings, the females as peace-offerings.24

R. Jehudah adds: "If suited for Paschal sacrifices, then they are Paschal sacrifices,

provided it be not more than thirty days before the feast" (Shekal. vii 4; compare also

Jer. Kid. ii. 9). It seems of deepest significance, almost like the fulfilment of type, that

those shepherds who first heard tidings of the Saviour's birth, who first listened to

angels' praises, were watching flocks destin ed to be offered as sacrifices in the Temple.

There was the type, and here the reality. At all times Bethlehem was among "the least"

in Judah--so small that the Rabbis do not even refer to it in detail. The small village-inn

was over-crowded, and the guests from Nazareth found shelter only in the stable,25

whose manger became the cradle of the King of Israel.

It was here that those who tended the sacrificial flocks, heaven-directed, found the

Divine Babe--significantly the first to see Him, to believe, and to adore. But this is not

all. It is when we remember, that presently these shepherds would be in the Temple, and

meet those who came thither to worship and to sacrifice, that we perceive the full

significance of what otherwise would have seemed scarcely worth while noticing in

connection with humble shepherds: "And when they had seen it, they made known

abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it

wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds" (Luke 2:17,18).

Moreover, we can understand the wonderful impression made on those in the courts of

the Temple, as, while they selected their sacrifices, the shepherds told the devout of the

speedy fulfilment of all these types in what they had themselves seen and heard in that

night of wonders; how eager, curious crowds might gather around to discuss, to

wonder, perhaps to mock; how the heart of "just and devout" old Simeon would be

gladdened within him, in expectation of the near realisation of a life's hopes and prayers;

and how aged Anna, and they who like her "looked for redemption in Israel," would lift

up their heads, since their salvation was drawing nigh. Thus the shepherds would be

the most effectual heralds of the Messiah in the Temple, and both Simeon and Anna be

prepared for the time when the infant Saviour would be presented in the sanctuary. But

there is yet another verse which, as we may suggest, would find a fuller explanation in

the fact that these shepherds tended the Temple flocks. When in Luke 2:20 we read that

"the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God," the meaning in that connection26

seems somewhat difficult till we realise that, after bringing their flocks to the Temple,

they would return to their own homes, and carry with them, joyfully and gratefully,

tidings of the great salvation.

Lastly, without entering into controversy, the passage from the Mishnah above quoted

in great measure disposes of the objection against the traditional date of our Lord's