Topical Encyclopedia The Magi, often referred to as the Wise Men, are figures of significant interest in the biblical narrative, particularly in the account of the birth of Jesus Christ. Their account is primarily found in the Gospel of Matthew, where they are described as visitors from the East who come to worship the newborn King of the Jews.Biblical Account: The account of the Magi is recorded in Matthew 2:1-12. The passage begins with their arrival in Jerusalem, seeking the one "who has been born king of the Jews" (Matthew 2:2). They had observed "His star in the east" and had come to worship Him. This indicates their role as astrologers or astronomers, a common practice among the learned men of the East, possibly from regions such as Persia or Babylon. Upon hearing of their quest, King Herod the Great was troubled and sought to ascertain the location of this new king. Herod consulted the chief priests and scribes, who informed him that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, as prophesied in Micah 5:2. Herod then secretly met with the Magi, instructing them to report back once they found the child, under the pretense of wishing to worship Him as well. Guided by the star, the Magi continued their journey to Bethlehem, where they found the child Jesus with His mother, Mary. "On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him" (Matthew 2:11). They presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, each carrying symbolic significance: gold representing kingship, frankincense symbolizing deity, and myrrh foreshadowing suffering and death. Warned in a dream not to return to Herod, the Magi departed for their country by another route, thus avoiding complicity in Herod's subsequent massacre of the innocents. Historical and Cultural Context: The Magi were likely members of a priestly caste in ancient Persia, known for their knowledge of astrology, astronomy, and other sciences. Their presence in the Gospel narrative underscores the recognition of Jesus' kingship beyond the Jewish people, highlighting the universal scope of His mission. The gifts they presented were valuable and held deep spiritual meaning. Gold, a precious metal, was often associated with royalty and divinity. Frankincense, an aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes, was a symbol of prayer and worship. Myrrh, another resin, was used in anointing oils and embalming, hinting at Jesus' future suffering and death. Theological Significance: The visit of the Magi is rich in theological implications. It fulfills Old Testament prophecies that Gentiles would come to the light of the Messiah (Isaiah 60:3). Their journey and homage to Jesus signify the acknowledgment of His divine kingship by the nations, prefiguring the global reach of the Gospel. The narrative also contrasts the responses to Jesus' birth: the Magi's worship and Herod's hostility. This dichotomy reflects the varied human reactions to the revelation of Christ throughout history. Symbolism and Tradition: Christian tradition has often expanded upon the biblical account, assigning the Magi names—Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar—and depicting them as kings, though the Bible does not specify these details. Their number is traditionally set at three, corresponding to the three gifts, though Matthew's Gospel does not state the number of Magi. The Magi's journey is celebrated in the Christian liturgical calendar on the Feast of Epiphany, commemorating the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. This feast underscores the theme of revelation and the recognition of Jesus as the Savior of all humanity. In summary, the Magi's visit to the Christ child is a profound testament to the recognition of Jesus' divine and royal identity by the nations, fulfilling prophetic expectations and foreshadowing the universal mission of the Gospel. ATS Bible Dictionary Magi or Wise MenAn appellation given among the Medes and Persians to a class of priests, wise men, philosophers, etc., who devoted themselves to the study of the moral and physical sciences, and particularly cultivated astrology and medicine. They alone performed the religious rites, and pretended to communicate to men secret things, future events, and the will of the gods. See MEDIA. As they thus acquired great honor and influence, they were introduced into the courts of kings and consulted on all occasions. They also accompanied the army in warlike expeditions; and so much importance was attached to their advice and opinions, that nothing was attempted without their approbation. A similar class of men existed in Babylon, Egypt, Arabia, etc. The book of Daniel shows in what high estimation they were held in Babylon, Daniel was appointed master of the wise men; but their jealousy of his wisdom and their hatred of his religion, as well as the terms in which they are spoken of in Isaiah 47:13,14 Daniel 2:9,27, show that as a class they were destitute of true wisdom. Not so those who came "from the East" to salute and adore the infant Jesus, Matthew 2:1-12. The captivity of the Jews beyond the Euphrates had dispersed throughout the East much knowledge of the true God; and these philosophers and astronomers, in their search after wisdom, had found and believed the prophecies respecting the Messiah, and were divinely guided to his presence at Bethlehem. See STAR. In them, the science and philosophy of the heathen world laid their homage at the feet of Christ. Compare Psalm 72:10,11 Isaiah 60:1-3. Library Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King. The Wise Men and the Shepherds The Longing of the Heathen for a Saviour. --The Star of the Wise ... "We have Seen his Star" Whether those to whom Christ's Birth was Made Known were Suitably ... Following the Star. The First-Fruits of the Gentiles An Examination of the Question as to How it was Possible for them ... The Greek Philosophy in Great Part Derived from the Barbarians. The visit and Homage of the Magi, and the Flight into Egypt Resources Do the narratives of Jesus' birth contradict each other? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Massacre of the Innocents? | GotQuestions.org Who was Herod the Great? | GotQuestions.org Magi: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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