The Visit of the Wise Men
Matthew 2:2 “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”
Where is he... Question 1. Next, Mat. 3:7.
King of the... Tacitus and Sueronius testify that in the East at this time there was a general expectation of a king to be born in Judea who was to rule the whole world. Daniel predicted His coming and being "cut off" to be 483 years after the post-Babylonian captivity commandment to restore Jerusalem (Dan. 9:24-26). Jesus was born to rule and will do so forever after His second coming (Luke 1:32-33; John 18:37; Isa. 9:6-7; Rev. 11:15; 22:1-5).
star in the... The Tenfold Prophecy of the Messiah:
1. I (Balaam) shall see Him, but not now (Num. 24:17). Balaam and all other men will see Him, for every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess His Lordship (Phlp. 2:9-11). Even all rebels in hell will be tormented forever in His presence (Rev. 14:9-11; cp. Isa. 66:22-24). The literal meaning here is, "I shall have a full view of Him, but the time is far distant"; that is, the person I am prophesying about does not now exist among these Israelites, nor shall He appear in this generation.
2. He shall rise as a Star out of Jacob (Num. 24:17). The star has been a symbol of regal power among all nations, being often used to herald the rise of, and future glory of, a monarch.
3. A Sceptre shall rise out of Israel (Num. 24:17). This same thing was predicted by the prophet Jacob (Gen. 49:10; cp. Psm. 45:6; Heb. 1:8). It expresses the ruling power of the Messiah who was to come (Isa. 9:6-7; Dan. 7:13-14; Luke 1:32-33; Rev. 11:15).
4. He shall smite the corners (extremity or uttermost parts) of Moab (Num. 24:17; cp. Psm. 60:8; Isa. 11:14; 16:1-5; 25:10; Jer. 48:47; Dan. 11:40-41).
5. He shall destroy the children of Sheth (Seth, Num. 24:17; cp. 1Ch. 1:1). Seth here refers to all mankind, for all descended from Seth through Noah (Gen. 5:1-32); that is, none but Sethites were preserved through Noah and his sons. Messiah will reign until all enemies are put under His feet—those of the human race and otherwise (2Cor. 15:24-28).
6. He shall possess Edom (Num. 24:18; cp. Psm. 60:8-9; Isa. 11:14; 63:1-5; Dan. 11:40-41; Amos 9:12; Oba. 1:11-21). Edom, Seir, and Esau refer to the same country (Gen. 32:3; 36:8, 36:21).
7. He shall cause Israel to do valiantly (Num. 24:18; cp. Isa. 11:14; Zec. 12:5-9; 14:14).
8. He shall come out of Jacob (Num. 24:17, 24:19; cp. Gen. 49:10; Isa. 9:6-9; 49:26; 65:9; Mat. 1:1-2; Luke 1:32-33).
9. He shall have dominion (Num. 24:18; cp. Isa. 9:6-7; Dan. 7:13-14; Zec. 9:10; 14:9; 2Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 11:15; 20:1-10; 22:4-5).
10. He shall destroy him that remains in the city (Num. 24:19). This pictures a conqueror who defeats his enemies in battle and then seeks out those that have escaped, to deal with them accordingly. This Christ will do after Armageddon when He gathers the nations and determines who shall or shall not enter the kingdom (Mat. 25:31-46).
Bethlehem (Ephratah), means house of bread, and it is appropriate for the Bread of Life (Jesus) to be born there.
Contrary to the belief of many, there were not a specific number of wise men. These wise men (called Magi by some), were probably men who were able to interpret dreams and understand prophecy, as well as being able to discern the heavens.
They knew Messiah was prophesied. They knew that His star would appear in the east. They knew this star proclaimed the promised Messiah, and being wise, they came to worship Him.
Star... This could not have been a supernova or a conjunction of planets, as some modern theories suggest, because of the way the star moved and settled over one place (verse 9). It is more likely a supernatural reality similar to the Shekinah that guided the Israelites in the days of Moses (Exo. 16:21).
Again, This special revelation may simply have been in the sky, as might be indicated by their title “Magi” (specialists in astronomy) and by the fact they referred to a star which they saw. Or this revelation could have come through some contact with Jewish scholars who had migrated to the East with copies of Old Testament manuscripts. Many feel the Magi’s comments reflected a knowledge of Balaam’s prophecy concerning the “star” that would “come out of Jacob” (Num. 24:17). Whatever the source, they came to Jerusalem to worship the newborn King of the Jews. (According to tradition three Magi traveled to Bethlehem. But the Bible does not say how many there were.)
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