The Wise Men from the East

The in-depth summary of each bible study is much different than the small group bible study that is laid out before the leader and the students.  The small group studies are intended to be interactive, provide a learning atmosphere for students, and open discussions allowing for interpretations for what the gospels’ witnessed.  The in-depth summary is designed to help the leader with expansive information, much more than what is in the text notes found at the bottom of every bible page.  An exhaustive search was completed on each verse to help the Leader answer questions that may come up during the study.

Prologue:  In the Bible (Matthew 2:1–4), the cunning King Herod seeks information from the local religious leaders about the birthplace of Christ. They promptly disclose that the Promised One will be born in Bethlehem of Judea. Subsequently, Herod, with discretion, questions the wise men about the initial sighting of the sign and then directs them to Bethlehem under the pretense of wanting to worship the newborn King (Matthew 2:5–8).

Following a guiding star, the wise men arrive at the home where Mary, Joseph, and Jesus are staying in Bethlehem. Filled with joy, they pay homage to the child and present Him with gifts of shimmering gold, aromatic frankincense, and fragrant myrrh, each carrying prophetic meaning. Despite Herod's orders, the wise men leave town by a different route after being warned in a dream not to return to the malevolent ruler (Matthew 2:9–12). 

The Magi’s Visit from the East (Matthew 2:1-12)

Matthew 2:1: There are three subjects in this verse:

1.      Where Jesus was born.

2.      The days of Herod, the king.

3.      Wise men who came from the East to Jerusalem.

(1) Matthew distinguishes Bethlehem of Judea because there is a Bethlehem of Galilee about seven miles northwest of Nazareth. Jesus was also born from the tribe of Judah and in King David’s line.[1]

(2) Herod the King, also known as Herod the Great (37 – 4 BC), was a non-Jew, an Idumean. Judea was a province of the Roman Empire captured in 63 BC by Roman General Pompey. In 40 BC, the Roman Senate appointed Herod king of Judea, and he ruled from 37 BC until his death in 4 BC. Herod was a ruthless ruler, murdering his wife, Mariamne, her two sons, her brother, her grandfather, and her mother. His reign was also noted for its splendor, which led to the creation of theaters, monuments, pagan altars, and arenas, as well as the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. The temple construction began in 20 BC and was finished in 48 AD.[2]

(3) We know little about the wise men, also known as the Magi.  We know they came from the East looking for the newborn King of the Jews.  They were most likely from Arabia or Persia.  The term magio comes from the word magician.  It would be interpreted as magic, mediums, and sorcerers in today’s context.  However, during this era, the Greek word, magoi described men educated in philosophy, magic, priesthood, or astronomy.  The Eastern nations devoted themselves to astronomy, religion, and medicine.  It would be safe to say they were learned men from Persia or Arabia acting as counselors.  They went to Jerusalem, as it was the capital of the kingdom of Judea.  Most traditions suggest there were three wise men, but the Bible never specifies how many.  The common conclusion is that there were three gifts presented to Jesus and his parents, so many think there were three wise men.  Some believe they were kings of some kind because it is mentioned in the Old Testament that kings will bring gifts and worship the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel. (Psalm 68:29; Isaiah 49:7)[3]

Matthew 2:2: The first part of the verse, “Where is he born King of the Jews?” has two descriptions.  First, the Jews were anxiously waiting and looking for the new King to deliver them from the Romans.  By calculating the time mentioned by Daniel, they knew the time was near.  Second, those words would have struck terror and fear into King Herod.  “His star” was commonly taken as an omen of some remarkable event.  The wise men would have considered this evidence that a prince or king was born.  What the star was is not known. It could have been a comet or meteor that created a more excellent light in the night sky.  “The East” does not mean they saw it in the East; it means they were from the East.  The star led them to Jerusalem.  Why did they come to worship him?  They came to honor him as the prince or king, but not as God.[2] 

Matthew 2:3-4:  Herod was known for being a man willing to kill anyone threatening his power.  Herod was stressed and frightened of losing the power he had accumulated.  The friends of Herod would also be troubled.  But there would be many in Jerusalem who would be joyfully hearing this news.  Herod first assembled the chief priests (most were Sadducees) and scribes (Sadducees and Pharisees).  Herod was only focused on the location, so he demanded “where” Christ should be born.  He was not worried about the time, for the time had already come to his mind.[4]

Matthew 2:5-6:

This verse highlights that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem; this was well-known to the chief priests and scribes of the time.  It was written about seven hundred years before the birth of Jesus.  These verses are similar to Luke 2:6.  Please refer to “The Second Prophecy Fulfilled” in this study for more information and details.[5]

Matthew 2:7-8:  There are several acts Herod is currently reacting to. Growing up Jewish, Herod knew about the coming Messiah who would save and rule Israel. This threatened his power as King of Israel. In verses 2:3-4, Herod realized wise men had come from the East searching for the baby King of the Jews. The wise men were convinced by Jewish prophecy that the King of the Jews was born in Israel. 

Herod has two pieces of information now:

1.      He has the location of the town where Christ was born provided by his chief priests.

2.      The “wise men” from the East have arrived searching for Him, convinced this prophecy is being fulfilled. 

Herod does not know exactly when Christ was born, but he does know it was relatively recent. Herod has eliminated many others who have threatened his power as king, including his wife, sons, and others. If he could stop the recently born King of the Jews while he was still an infant, he would retain his power for a long time. He wants to do this privately to minimize the exposure of his actual plan. That is why he summoned the wise men secretively. Herod uses the wise men to obtain the location of the young Child. He sends the wise men to Bethlehem under the guise of religion so he may also worship Him.[6] He hopes to do to avoid raising suspicion about his actual plan to kill the Child. Notice that this is where the description of Christ changes from “baby” to “young Child.” 

Going forward, Christ is now referred to as a “young Child.” [7] This would imply that enough time has passed for Christ to have grown from a baby to perhaps an infant aged two months to one year old. This would make sense if the wise men noticed the star in the west of the newborn King of the Jews came from the East, either Arabia or Persia (Iran); it would take approximately forty to fifty days for them to complete the journey.

Matthew 2:9-10: The wise men would not have questioned King Herod’s intention to find the Child they were also seeking. They would have been more convinced and motivated to find the Child.  As they set off on the six-mile journey to Bethlehem, the star led them toward Bethlehem. This confirmed they were on the right path to find the Child. In the last part of verse 9, the interpretation is that the star led them to the precise location where the Child was to be found. Notice the wise men did not have to ask other travelers, people in the town of Bethlehem, or passers-by where a child had recently been born.  The star led them to Him.  Matthew provides information on the emotional state of the wise men. To be under heavenly guidance to a location where one has traveled and found the destiny one is searching for is profound. Matthew states they were filled with “exceeding great joy.”  Perhaps a more recent term, “euphoria,” would be a better description.

Matthew 2:11:  Contrary to tradition and nativity scenes portrayed by media showing Jesus laying in the manger, the Magi did not visit Jesus in a manger on the night of His birth.    By this time, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus lived in a house in Bethlehem.  The passage only describes how Mary and Jesus were present when wise men arrived.  This implies that Joseph was absent; otherwise, he would have been mentioned.  The wise men fell to their knees and worshiped Jesus.  This was done out of respect and submission to Jesus.  Notice Matthew does not say they worshiped Mary.  There is no disrespect for Mary; however, they were there to pay homage and respect specifically to Jesus.    As they opened their treasures, three types of gifts were mentioned: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.[7]  Giving gifts to a king was common in the Middle East and demonstrated respect.  Gold was customary for royal visits.  By giving the gift of gold, the wise men acknowledged Jesus as king.  Another aspect that is not widely discussed or recognized is that Joseph, Mary, and Jesus would shortly escape to Egypt.  This would have been a journey of over one hundred miles.    Since gold is a universal commodity in most cultures, it would travel easily.    Frankincense is a gum or resin that glitters and is produced by scraping the bark of certain native trees and then harvesting the resin's beads.  When burned, it creates a beautiful and robust aroma.

Myrrh is a fragrance derived from tree sap in the East.  It was also a key ingredient in the mixture of spices used when preparing bodies for burial.[7]

The Bible does not indicate the number of Magi who gave gifts. However, three gifts were presented to Jesus: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The three gifts may have given rise to the legend that there were three wise men.

The spiritual symbolism of gold, frankincense, and myrrh:

Gold: Gold is a highly valued precious metal.  It played a crucial role in financing Joseph and Mary's journey to Egypt after the birth of Jesus. The Bible doesn't provide a specific interpretation of the gifts presented to the newborn Christ.  Gold is often associated with divinity and royalty throughout the Bible.  In the Old Testament, many pagan idols along with the Ark of the Covenant, were formed from gold.  The gift of gold to the infant Jesus highlights His divine nature, affirming the belief that He is God in human form.[7]

Frankincense: Frankincense, a white resin or gum, is obtained from the Boswellia tree by making deliberate incisions in the bark allowing the milky sap to flow out.  This process requires great care and patience.  When the milky sap is ignited, it emits an alluring aroma.  It was commonly used in religious ceremonies.

The gift of frankincense to Christ was a powerful symbol of His unwavering willingness to serve as a sacrificial offering, representing His complete self-sacrifice, akin to a burnt offering.[7]

Myrrh: Myrrh, a valuable resin obtained from the Commiphora myrrh tree native to Arabia, was harvested much like frankincense. This aromatic substance was used as a spice, in embalming, and occasionally blended with wine to create a potent drink. Unbearable suffering lay ahead for Jesus, and as He faced crucifixion, He was offered a mixture containing myrrh, which was known for its stupefying properties (Mark 15:23). In Matthew 27:34, this concoction is also referred to as “gall.” The symbolism of bitterness, suffering, and affliction of myrrh foreshadowed the intense pain Jesus would endure as a man, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross for all who would place their faith in Him.[7]

Matthew 2:12: The dream of the Magi.  Joseph had four dreams.  The Magi had their dream.  Now that the wise men had fulfilled their quest, they were ready to return to King Herod as he had requested and inform him of the location of baby Jesus.  It is not stated whether one or all of the Magi were warned in a dream.  All that is known is that the dream was convincing enough to cause them not to return to King Herod and to go back to their homeland by a different route.[8]

[1] UNESCO World Heritage Centre. “Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem.” Unesco.org, 2010, whc.unesco.org/en/list/1433/.

[2] Windle, Bryan. “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Bible Archaeology Report, 10 Dec. 2021, biblearchaeologyreport.com/2021/12/10/o-little-town-of-bethlehem-2/.

[3] Windle, Bryan. “Herod the Great: An Archaeological Biography.” Bible Archaeology Report, 11 Dec. 2020, biblearchaeologyreport.com/2020/12/11/herod-the-great-an-archaeological-biography/.

[4] McAndless, Scott. “King Herod... Was Frightened, and All Jerusalem with Him. - St. Andrews Hespeler.” St. Andrews Hespeler, 7 Jan. 2019, www.standrewshespeler.ca/2019/01/07/king-herod-was-frightened-and-all-jerusalem-with-him/.

[5] Radmacher, Earl D., et al. NKJV Study Bible. Thomas Nelson, 2018, p. 1329.

[6] “Matthew 2:7 Commentaries: Then Herod Secretly Called the Magi and Determined from Them the Exact Time the Star Appeared.” Biblehub.com, 2024, biblehub.com/commentaries/matthew/2-7.htm. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.

[7] “What Does Matthew 2:8 Mean? | BibleRef.com.” BibleRef.com, 2024, www.bibleref.com/Matthew/2/Matthew-2-8.html. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.

[8] “Alternate Routes - East Liberty Presbyterian Church.” East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 2025, cathedralofhope.org/sermons/alternate-routes/. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.