The Magi and the star of Bethlehem
Did Ray ever address this topic? I suppose it certainly isn’t the most important issue to focus on, but it definitely wets my curiosity. It’s an enigma that I know has been examined, postulated and debated by religious and secular factions throughout the centuries.
Mat 2:1 Now after Jesus had been born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the king, behold, Magi from the east arrived at Jerusalem,
Mat 2:2 Saying, "Where is the One Who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and have come to worship Him."
Who were these Magi and how did they know this “star” was referring to the birth of the King of the Jews? I couldn’t find any prophetic scripture referring to a star heralding His birth. Have I overlooked something? Moreover, it seems apparent that these were gentiles from the east and knew more than the Jews at large. Also, it’s obvious the Magi assumed the Jews did know, as they expected Herod to be acquainted with our Lord’s whereabouts. Perhaps they may have even expected Him to be in Herod’s palace.
Mat 2:3 But when Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
Mat 2:4 And after gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ should be born.
Mat 2:5 Then they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written by the prophet:
Mat 2:6 'And you, Bethlehem, land of Judea, in no way are you least among the princes of Judea; for out of you shall come forth a Prince, Who shall shepherd My people Israel.' "
Mat 2:7 Then Herod secretly called for the Magi and ascertained from them the exact time of the appearing of the star.
Mat 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the little Child; and when you have found Him, bring word back to me, so that I also may go and worship Him."
Personally, I don’t think the star was a celestial body such as a comet or conjunction of planets as has often been suggested. I think it was most likely an angel in some brilliant star-like form. Especially since I know that stars are often used as a metaphor for angels.
Matthew two verse nine strongly indicates they saw the star in the east, but I’m not necessarily convinced that it was seen all during their journey to Jerusalem, at least not in it's later form. Otherwise, they could have followed it straight to Bethlehem.
Mat 2:9 And after hearing the king, they departed; and behold, the star that they had seen in the east went in front of them, until it came and stood over the house where the little Child was.
In my opinion, it apparently reappeared when they left for Bethlehem in order to lead them directly to the specific house which it “stood over.” The words “went in front of them” and “stood over” causes me to believe that the “star” was no longer high up in the sky as may have been the case when they originally saw it in the east.
I welcome your thoughts and opinions.
Mike