Knowing The Word in Matthew 2:1-12

The Visit of the Wise Men

[This story, peculiar to Matthew, presents several themes in the Messiahship of Jesus. First, it makes fulfillment of scripture explicit. Second, it presents the evidence for his place of birth. Third, it alludes to Numbers 24:17. Fourth, it presents Jesus as the true king of Israel, as opposed to Herod. Fifth, it draws a parallel between Jesus and Moses. And sixth, it shows Jesus as the Messiah of all nations. This truly is a story packed with meaning. Additionally, it recalls the visit of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon in 1 Kings 10:1-13.]

2:1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king [tradition holds that Herod was king between 37-4 B.C.], behold, wise men [better, “magi,” originally the name of a Persian priestly cast] from the east [sometime after the birth of Jesus, but when?] came to Jerusalem, 2 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.” [These wise men have some knowledge of Judaism, making Babylon their most likely origin since many Jews lived there. While worship could mean to pay homage, Matthew tends to use it to illustrate Jesus’ more than human nature.] 3 When Herod the king [ethnically an Edomite and a Roman appointee on bad terms with the Sanhedrin] heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah [replaces Ephrathah], are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” [Micah 5:2, kinda! plus 2 Sam 5:2. Matthew is quoting freely so that he may apply the texts. Bethlehem was were David was born and raised.]

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house they saw the child [not the babe] with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. [See Psalm 72:15 and Isaiah 60:6.] Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. [These are gifts for a king.] 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.