Matthew 2:1-12 Historical Notes

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,

2 saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."

3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

5 So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

6 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.' "

7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also."

9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

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Historical Notes

- The term "Magi" comes from the ancient Persian "magav" and was used as the name for priests and wise men among the Babylonians, Medes, and Persians. It later came to mean (among the Greeks) any sorceror from the east.

- They were members of the learned class of the "magians" who were skilled in their knowledge of science, philosophy, history, medicine, and religious mysteries among the peoples beyond the Euphrates. They were highly influential in the successive eastern kingdoms to the point of being the kings chief advisors.

- The Magi were astrologers and believed strongly in signs from the heavens. Although it is apparent that from the language of the text the star was more of a manifestation of the glory of God that re-manifested above the house in Bethlehem.

The way they said, "king of the Jews" could better be translated, "king of Judea" and would probably signify from the usage of the text that they were gentiles.

- God manifested His glory to them and they came just as with the shepherds. Who would have come to such a marvelous event had it not been told them?

- For comments on Herod (see Herod the Great)

- One speculation is gold (the Kings diety), frankincense (the Kings fragrant life), and myrrh (the Kings mission to die)

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Picture Study Bible - Luke 2

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