She likewise was of the house of David through another line--another reason why she should go there.

But above all, the Lord directed them there because it was a part of his arrangement.
[139]At that time there were no means of easy and rapid transit.

It was a long journey, a tedious and tiresome one.

Joseph, with his espoused seated upon an ass, journeyed through the hills along the Jordan probably for three days, and late in the evening reached the city of Bethlehem.

The city was crowded; the private homes were full; all the hotels, inns, and other places were crowded out.