With Christmas drawing near, much of my Bible reading and meditation has focused on the incarnation of Jesus and the events surrounding it. This morning, I was in Matthew 2, “The Visit of the Wise Men.” It’s a passage that fulfills prophecy and is prophetic in itself, but is often misunderstood. We need to actually do some Bible reading and look at context.
There is far too much to cover in detail in one Gleanings, so for this morning allow me to touch on one key point.
How many kings were there? None. Let’s read the first few verses.
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, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Matthew 2:1-3
The text says “wise men”. In Greek, it is μάγοι, which refers to wizards, magicians, and astrologers or astronomers. These were learned men from the east, most likely from Persia, who studied the works of other religions and were familiar with the Jewish prophecies from Daniel’s time in Babylon.
The text tells us who they were and why they had come. Yet there is no indication of their number. It’s often assumed that because three gifts are recorded in Scripture (gold, frankincense, myrrh), there were three visitors.
Church tradition varies regarding the number, ranging from 2 to more than 20. Some traditions even have names for the Magi, although none appear in the text.
It’s doubtful that these wise men from Persia travelled alone. They would have come in a caravan that included attendants, apprentices, armed guards, and more.
Some sources suggest that since the Magi were high officials in the court of Babylon, the caravan could have been as many as 1,000 men and 100 camels. That’s possible, but it seems overstated to me; even if there were three magi, there would have been support, and I can’t envision a caravan of less than a few dozen.
Indeed, the caravan was large enough to cause concern among the residents of Jerusalem. Three lone scholars wouldn’t have been noticed, let alone granted access to King Herod. The party must have been large enough to warrant notice.
Whatever their number, they came seeking the Christ child and knew of the star. Their arrival confirms a prophecy of old.
I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth. Numbers 24:17
The Magi may have been looking specifically for that star based on a prophecy in Daniel about the timing of Christ’s coming..
“Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place. Daniel 9:24
Whatever the number of Magi who came, they confirm the good news of Jesus’ birth. He set aside the privileges due Him and stepped into the material world as an infant. He came to die for us.
Let’s remember Him this season and every day.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed,
Kevin
