Migdal Eder (מגדל־עדר )was a tower mentioned in the biblical book of Genesis 35:21, in the context of the death of Jacob‘s wife, Rachel. The biblical record locates it near the present-day city of Bethlehem.
With the establishment of Temple worship in Jerusalem, the fields outside of Bethlehem became the place where a special group of shepherds raised the lambs that were sacrificed in the Temple. Being themselves under special Rabbinical care, they would strictly maintain a ceremonially clean stable for a birthing place. The Tower of the Flock was used for birthing ewes, and the surround fields were where these shepherds grazed their flocks. These shepherds customarily kept their flocks outdoors twenty-four hours a day every day of the year, but brought the ewes in to deliver their lambs where they could be carefully cared for.
A watch tower just like this was used by the shepherds for protection from their enemies and wild beasts.
A passage from the Mishnah (Shekelim 7:4) leads to the conclusion that the flocks which pastured there were destined for Temple service. These were not just any flock and herd. The shepherds who kept them were men who were specifically trained for this royal task. They were educated in what an animal, that was to be sacrificed, had to be and it was their job to make sure that none of the animals were hurt, damaged, or blemished. These lambs were apparently wrapped in “swaddling cloths” to protect them from injury right after they were born, until they stopped trashing around.
Some scholars believe that it was to this place that Joseph took Mary.
Standing with Israel 