2 Bible Verses about Jerusalem, History Of

Now Jesus was born in Bethlehem [a small town] in Judea during the time when Herod [the Great] was king [of Judea]. About that time some astrologer/sages from the east [i.e., Persia] came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the one who was born to be king of the Jews? For we saw a star [signifying his birth while we were still] in the east, and have come here to worship him." And when King Herod heard this, he and the entire city of Jerusalem were [very] upset.

In those days, John the Immerser went into the desert of Judea preaching [to Jews], saying, "You must repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives], for the kingdom of heaven will soon be here." For this is the man who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, who said, [Isa. 40:3], "[It is] the voice of a man who speaks out in the desert, [urging people to] make the road for the Lord ready [for Him to travel]; to make a straight pathway for Him [to walk on]."read more.
Now John dressed in clothing made of camel's hair and he wore a leather belt around his waist; he ate grasshoppers and wild honey [i.e., for his regular diet]. [People from] Jerusalem and all over Judea and the region around the Jordan River all went out [to the desert] to [hear] him, and people were immersed by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins.