takes particular cognizance of Bethlehem, and has an eye to a King, to Messiah Himself” (M. Henry). II. See in it a subtle connection between cause and effects. In those days of ungodliness this happened. The judges ruled, but every man did right in his own eyes (Judges 21:25). Religion corrupted, worship decayed, idolatry common; and here are the results. When sin is ripe, vengeance is ready. Notice (a) National life affects individual history. We cannot separate ourselves from our surroundings;