Nazareth(nazarene)
“Possibly from Hebrew 'netser' meaning sprout or branch, or from a root meaning watch-tower”
Summary
Nazareth was the Galilean town where Jesus grew up and lived for approximately thirty years before beginning His public ministry.
☩Location and Setting
Nazareth was situated among the hills which constitute the south ridges of Lebanon, just before they sink down into the plain of Esdraelon. The town lay in a secluded hollow among the summits, nestled at the base of the loftiest of the encircling heights. The surrounding hills vary in altitude, some rising 400 to 500 feet, composed of the glittering limestone common to the region. The enclosed valley was particularly rich and well-cultivated, filled with cornfields, gardens, hedges of cactus, and clusters of fruit-bearing trees. Being so sheltered by hills, Nazareth enjoyed a mild atmosphere where fruits such as pomegranates, oranges, figs, and olives ripened early and attained rare perfection. Despite its secluded position, the hilltops above Nazareth commanded one of the finest views in Palestine, ranging from the Mediterranean on the west to the mountains of Bashan on the east, and from Upper Galilee and Mount Hermon on the north to the uplands of Gilead and Samaria on the south.
☩Biblical Significance
Although Nazareth is never mentioned in the Old Testament, it became central to the gospel narrative. It was the home of Joseph and Mary, to which they returned with the infant Jesus after the events connected with His birth. The angel Gabriel was sent to Mary in Nazareth to announce the birth of the Messiah. Jesus grew up there from infancy to manhood and was known throughout His life as 'the Nazarene.' He taught in the synagogue there, and was dragged by His fellow-townsmen to the precipice to be cast down, though He passed through their midst and went His way. 'Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews' was written over His cross, and after His ascension He revealed Himself under that appellation to the persecuting Saul.
☩The Reputation of Nazareth
Nazareth stood in some disrepute, as evidenced by Nathanael's question whether any good thing could come from there. All inhabitants of Galilee were looked upon with contempt by the people of Judea because they spoke a ruder dialect, were less cultivated, and were more exposed to contact with the heathen. However, Nazareth labored under a special opprobrium, for it was a Galilean, not a southern Jew, who asked the reproachful question. The disposition of the Nazarenes toward Jesus confirmed this reputation: they attempted to kill Him, expelled Him twice from their borders, and were so willful and unbelieving that He performed not many miracles among them, ultimately compelling Him to reside at Capernaum.
☩Later History
Little is known of Nazareth during the earlier centuries of the Christian era. Helena, the mother of Constantine, is said to have built the first church of the Annunciation there. In the time of the Crusaders, the episcopal see of Bethsean was transferred there. The town was lost to the Christians after the defeat at Hattin in 1183 and was laid utterly in ruins by Sultan Bibars in 1263. In 1620 the Franciscans rebuilt the church of the Annunciation and connected a cloister with it. Napoleon visited Nazareth briefly in 1799 after the battle of Mount Tabor, reaching there the northern limit of his Eastern expedition.
Related Verses30 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Nazareth," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VI (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Nazareth," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Nazareth," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.Philip Schaff and Johann Herzog (ed.), "NAZARETH," in The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, vol. VIII (Funk and Wagnalls, 1908–1914).
- 5.George Morrish, "Nazareth," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).