Matthew chapter 2 mentions both "Herod the king"
and "wise men from the east".
A little research shows that this Herod (there were several)
may have been Herod the Great, who was credited with rebuilding the temple in
Jerusalem around 19BCE (it was subsequently mostly destroyed in 70AD) and other
colossal building works such as the magnificent harbour, Caesarea Maritima.
Herod's title was granted by the Roman Senate, the Roman, Pompey, having
conquered Jerusalem in 63BCE. Herod identified himself as a Jew, but his
decadent lifestyle - including the murder of family members who interfered with
his plans - alienated him from his Jewish subjects.
The term "wise men" pops up throughout the Bible -
some 54 times in fact. The "wise men from the east" are only
mentioned in Matthew's gospel. They could have come from Persia (modern-day
Iran), Babylon (Iraq), or Arabia. They did not get along with Herod! Their
message about visiting in order to worship the "King of the Jews",
whose star they had seen "in the east" was definitely not welcomed by
Herod the Great. Here was a threat he must eliminate.
However, the "chief priests and scribes" related
the prophecy "And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, ...out of thee
shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel" (Matt. 2:6),
citing Micah 5:2,4.
One writer suggests that the lesson for today's readers is
to "Let us seek to hold fast and protect both Principle and Idea from
usurping mortality." (See F.E. Mason, CSB "Bible Lessons" Christian Science Journal Sept.
1888.)
Julie Swannell
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