Mateus 2

The ‘wise men’

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men [magi] from the East came into Jerusalem, 2 saying: "Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the East and have come to worship him." 3 When Herod the king heard it he became agitated, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And gathering all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.*The magi said, "King of the Jews"; Herod said, "Messiah". Evidently he knew something about OT prophecy. 5 So they said to him: "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it stands written by the prophet:

6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,

are not at all the least among the rulers of Judah,

for out of you will come a Ruler

who will shepherd my people Israel.’ "*See Micah 5:2.

7 Then Herod, calling the wise men secretly, determined from them the time when the star appeared. 8 And directing them to Bethlehem he said, "When you get there, search carefully for the young child; and should you find him, bring back word to me, so that I also may go and worship him."*Presumably Herod was a good actor, so if they hadn’t been warned in a dream, they would probably have reported back.

The Star!

9 So having heard the king they departed, and there was the star that they had seen in the East! It went before them until it arrived and stopped above where the young Child was. 10 Now when they saw the star they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy!*It reappeared after two years. They had undertaken an expensive and dangerous journey in the dark, as it were. Now God confirms that they are on the right track. They are beside themselves with joy! It guided them to the very house. 11 And coming into the house*Joseph probably used the stable (Luke 2:7) for only one night; the next day he would look for more adequate quarters. That Jesus was born at night is clear from Luke 2:8-12. The angels appeared at night (verse 8) and said "this day" (verse 11)—the shepherds were Jews, and the Jewish day began at 6:00 p.m. Since the shepherds broadcasted the message delivered by the angel, any people in the town who loved God would want to help Joseph. The Text says ‘young child’, not ‘baby’—the visit to Jerusalem (Luke 2:22-38) is now well behind them. they saw the young Child with Mary His mother,*They may have arrived at night. All the events recorded in verses 1-8 presumably happened the same day. It is only some ten miles from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, but it may have been already dark when they started out. The Text says that they saw Jesus and Mary; Joseph is not mentioned. Perhaps he was sleeping in another room. If the magi took off immediately, as I suppose, then the angel roused Joseph as soon as they were out the door. and falling down they worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense and myrrh.*Because the gifts were three, some have assumed that the magi were three, but nowhere does the Text specify the number. Now, as then, those who are wise still seek Him. The gifts were providential to meet their financial needs in Egypt and beyond, quite apart from any symbolism. 12 Then, having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their own country by a different road.