"Behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem." Matthew 2:1b We have glamorized the three kings with gifts but in reality they were magoi's which was a name taken from old Persian language. It originated in Media. The magi specialized in dreams and omens and even claimed the gift of prophecy. Later on the name magi was watered down and was applied to others like the Jew Bar-Jesus and the Samaritan, Simon who used incantations and magical methods.
These men in the East were learned men and today are thought to have been also astronomers/astrologers. But no way were they kingly except, perhaps for their gifts of worth. It is possible, because they studied the stars in their profession, they probably were aware also of the Messianic King which was to be born in Judea. The star appeared to them shining ever so brightly in the Western skies, and claimed their full attention which caused these men in the east to follow this strange astronomical event. A moving star intrigued their inquisitive natures and they packed up and began their journey of a life time. God uses those He wants!
When they arrived in Jerusalem they made a courtesy call to Herod, the king of the Jews. "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." Matthew 2:2 "When Herod, the king heard this, he was troubled and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born." Matthew 2:3-4
We know that Herod was up to no good! Why? Because we have read about the Herod dynasty and know the kind of kings they were and this Herod was one of the worst. His counselors told him about the prophecy that would take place in bethlehem of Judea. Herod called the wise men secretly before him and he talked with them about the star they had seen and when it first appeared. Then Herod said; "Go and search diligently for the child and when you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." Matthew 2:8
"When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream, not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way." Matthew 2:9-12
I have read that their adoration of the Christ child was a token of the later submission of the Gentile world towards the Jewish Messiah. Do you suppose that is why God brought first the Jewish shepherds and then the wise men representing the Gentile's? Mmmm!
God is still working His plan; "When Israel was a child, I loved Him and out of Egypt I called my son." Hosea 11:1 Israel was God's chosen people and Jesus is the son called out of Egypt. Prophesy is still being fulfilled! "Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said; "Rise take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." Matthew 2:13
I often thought the gifts brought by the wise men were so Joseph could afford the travel to Egypt and to stay there until God called them out. I often thought that Joseph and his trade was used to support them while they lived in Bethlehem the few years they were there. I often thought that their amazing trust and dependence upon God should be an example for us for He is our strength, our joy and our peace day by day. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/21/09
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