Matthew 2:17

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet.

The saying is found in Jeremiah 31:15, and was first spoken with reference to the desolation of Israel by Nebuchadnezzar. The survivors of the Israelites were gathered by their conquerors as captives at Ramah. There the voice of lamentation was heard over the woes of Israel, and especially from the mothers bereft of their offspring. In rich poetic strain the prophet describes Rachel, the mother of two great tribes, as weeping and refusing to be comforted. It was still more appropriate to the bereaved mothers of Bethlehem. Within half. mile of that city was the tomb of Rachel and hence the pathetic language of the prophet is again applied to the inconsolable mothers of Bethlehem, as though the Rachel that slept in the tomb were. mourner over her slain offspring. On the site of the tomb of Rachel is now. Mahometan mosque, much visited by Jewish, Christian and Mahometan pilgrims. For the burial of Rachel see Genesis 36:19.