Thematic Bible: The magi (wise men from the east)


Thematic Bible



Now Jesus was born in Bethlehem [a small town] in Judea during the time when Herod [the Great] was king [of Judea]. About that time some astrologer/sages from the east [i.e., Persia] came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the one who was born to be king of the Jews? For we saw a star [signifying his birth while we were still] in the east, and have come here to worship him." And when King Herod heard this, he and the entire city of Jerusalem were [very] upset. read more.
So, he gathered all the leading priests and experts in the law of Moses from among the people and asked them where the Christ [child] was to be born. They replied to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what was written by the prophet [Micah 5:2], And you, Bethlehem in the country of Judah, are not among the least [towns in furnishing] rulers for Judah, for you will produce a leader who will become shepherd of my [i.e., God's] people Israel.'" Then Herod summoned the astrologer/sages and learned from them exactly when the star had appeared. So, he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and find out the details about the young child, and when you have found him, come and tell me, so I can go and worship him myself." After hearing the king they left and the star, which they had seen [while still] in the east, moved on ahead of them until it stopped over [the house] where the young child was staying. [See verse 11]. And when they saw the star, they were extremely happy. Then they went into the house and saw the young child with His mother Mary. They fell to the ground and worshiped Him, and unpacking their treasures, they offered Him gifts of gold, incense and aromatic spices.