Matthew 2 - The Magi Visit the Christ Child
Wise men come upon the Christ Child, meanwile as King Herod orders all boy babies under the age of 2 years in Bethlem to be killed when he hears that a child has been born that they call King of the Jews.
1Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Bethlehem meaning "House of Bread." (About five miles south of Jerusalem). Originally called Ephrath (Genesis 35:19). Herod the king: To distinguish him from other Herod's of the bible. (Also know as Herod the great). Wise men: Strong's Concordance (G3097 magos, foreign origin H7248; a Magian, Oriental scientist; magician, sorcerer, wise man). Probably from the Medes or Persians. (They were like priestly teachers or astrologers). Note that it does not say how many wise men there were, but we will go with three as the Christmas story tells us.
2Saying, 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? First question in the new testament, as compared to the first question in the old testament. (Genesis 3:9). Is born: Has been brought forth. (Jesus was about two years old when visited by the wise men). Have seen his star: All questions settled if we regard this as miraculous, which it was. This was written in the Old Testament (Numbers 24:17, Isaiah 60:3). Come to worship: Saw the star, came into the house, and fell to their knees in worship. (Matthew 2:10-11).
3When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Everyone in Jerusalem was in a tizzy, and Herod became deeply disturbed when he heard the rumors of the Christ child. Herod the great didn't want any threats to his throne. Was Herod really threatened by the new baby boy?
4And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. Herod wanted them to search the scriptures to see if it told of this anointed one (the Messiah), being born and where it would be. Would they find their answer?
5And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, The leading priests and teachers found it written by the prophet Micah. But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. (Micah 5:2). But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. A ruler of Israel will come from you, One whose origins are from the distant past. Ephrathah (place of fruitfulness), was an ancient name for "Bethlehem" (house of bread). (Genesis 35:19). Bethlehem was the birth place of David, and so it was the birthplace of the kings of Judah. But, most importantly, it was the birthplace of Jesus; the One who would come forth from of old. "Jesus existed before He was even born." (John 1:1-3), The one that would be considered "little" would come from Bethlehem and rule Israel. (Micah 5:3-4).
6And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. That governor or ruler being Christ. (Isaiah 9:6-7, Matthew 28:18, Ephesians 1:22, Revelation 2:27, 11:15).
7Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. Herod's first question was where? His second question would be "what time." He wanted to know the time frame when they first saw the star appear. Herod was planning his destruction of the Christ child already. (Psalm 55:21).
8And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. This Child was not Herod's Messiah. He didn't want to worship Christ, he just wanted to find out where he was so he could kill him. (Proverbs 26:24-25). Would the wise men lead Herod to the Messiah? "Don't believe ones motives when they feel threatened."
9When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. Some suggest that the star was a supernova, or comet. However, this was a divine intervention by Almighty God. (Proverbs 2:1-6).
10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. Wouldn't you be rejoicing? Wow! These wise men were lead by a divine intervention from God and they realized it! Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. (Psalm 105:3). Do you think these guys knew something of this verse?
11And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. The three wise-men. Again, know one knows the exact number of wise men that were present, but (3) was determined by most because of the three gifts mentioned. Gold: Representing Christ's kingship. Frankincense: Representing Christ's priestly role. Myrrh: Representing Christ's coming death.
12And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. They were not going to reveal nothing to Herod, they were all warned in a dream not to return to Herod. (I love the way God is always in control). "No way these wise men were going to betray the Messiah."
13And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. I believe this was the same angel that warned the wise men in their dream. Again, Joseph's dream was divine intervention and guidance by God.
14When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt. Joseph obeyed the angel of the Lord and left for Egypt.
15And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. Written in the Old Testament (Numbers 24:8, Hosea 11:1). He would set all people free from bondage, not just the Israelites.
16Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Herod was furious that the wise men did not obey him. Then he sent his soldiers to kill every boy child two years of age and under.
17Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying;
18In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. (Jeremiah 31:15-17), Rachel died giving birth to the last of the twelve Patriarchs. Screams from the region of Rama and Rachel weeping for her children.
19But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Herod died and Joseph has another appearance from the angel of the Lord.
20Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. Get back to the land of Israel, it is safe now.
21And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. Joseph obeys the angel of the Lord and returns to Israel with Jesus and Mary.
22But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: Archelaus meaning prince of the people. However, he was know for his tyranny and murder and was probably a little insane. Joseph was warned in a dream, so he left for the region of Galilee. (know as the heathen circle).
23And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene. Written in the Old Testament and spoken of as a type of savior (Samson), in the book of Judges. For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines. (Judges 13:5). The wife of Manoah is about to give birth to a son (Samson), who would rescue Israel from the Philistines. He would be a Nazarite unto God: One consecrated or separate unto Elohim. One who would serve God (one who never cuts his hair or drinks alcohol), "his name would be Samson." Nazareth was known to be where more of the low life people would live. Thus the old saying; "Nothing good could come from Nazareth." But, one would come from Nazareth that would be the Savior of the world.
Keep the faith,
Barton
