What accommodations did the Holy family have in Bethlehem?

Answer 1

A:Uta Ranke-Heinemann (Putting Away Childish Things) says that if the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem really took place as described in Luke's Gospel, Mary and Joseph would have travelled down through the Decapolis on the eastern side of the River Jordan, as this was easier and somewhat less dangerous for a Jew than attempting the mountainous journey through Samaria. The Romans would never have called a census during a major religious festival, when large numbers of Jews travelled from Galilee to Jerusalem, so most stopovers would have been empty at the time, with plenty of accommodation.

According to Luke, Elisabeth's husband, Zechariah's occupation was as a priest, which meant that he lived in Jerusalem, but even if not (Luke 1:23 can be read with that meaning), he would have lived not far from Jerusalem. Passing through Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph would have stayed at the home of Elisabeth, just a few hours walk from Bethlehem. In fact, Ranke-Heinemann wonders why Joseph took his wife at such a late stage of pregnancy to Bethlehem, where they knew no one and could not even find accommodation.

Another Answer:

There is no Scriptural description of travelling accomodations mentioned. People in those days did not have hotel/motel bookings, food stops, etc. They travelled with all their needs with them. All that is said is that at the end of their trip, there was no room anywhere usually considered rentable space for them to rest/sleep. So they stayed in the enclosed area adjoined to living quarters, where livestock usually bedded down for the night. Recent Archaeology has proven this type of housing.

Concerning the time the Romans would have called an Empire-wide Census, they would not have been concerned with the local people's religious events - as there were many diverse beliefs throughout the Empire. Their only concern would have been the weather and they would not conduct a Census in the Winter seasons.

Two good historical sources for this event are from the 'Chronicles of John Malalas, translated by Matthew Spinka (University of Chicago Press, 1940). Malalas was a historian from Antioch, Syria circa 491-578 A.D.. Also, Suidas, another reliable author, etal, have added information about Augustus' decree proving the Census was conducted in Palestine in 4 B.C.. Also, a great article is in Unger's Bible Dictionary under "Chronology").

Answer 2

Not many. The Bible says there was no room at the inn so they stayed in a stable where animals were kept.