Topical Bible: God: Warning the Wise Men from the East

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The account of God warning the Wise Men from the East is a significant event recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in Matthew 2:1-12. This narrative highlights God's divine intervention and guidance, demonstrating His sovereignty and protective care over the unfolding events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ.

Context and Background

The Wise Men, also known as Magi, were likely scholars or astrologers from the region of Persia or Babylon. They were Gentiles, which underscores the universal scope of Christ's mission. Their journey to Jerusalem was prompted by the appearance of a star, which they interpreted as the sign of the birth of the "King of the Jews" (Matthew 2:2). This celestial phenomenon led them to seek out the newborn King, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Upon their arrival in Jerusalem, the Wise Men inquired about the location of the newborn King, which troubled King Herod and all of Jerusalem (Matthew 2:3). Herod, known for his paranoia and ruthlessness, saw the birth of a new king as a direct threat to his throne. He summoned the chief priests and scribes to ascertain where the Messiah was to be born, learning that it was prophesied to be in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:4-6).

Divine Warning

Herod deceitfully instructed the Wise Men to find the child and report back to him, under the pretense of wanting to worship Him (Matthew 2:7-8). However, Herod's true intention was to eliminate this perceived threat. After visiting Jesus and offering their gifts, the Wise Men were divinely warned in a dream not to return to Herod. Instead, they departed for their country by another route (Matthew 2:12).

This divine warning is a testament to God's omniscience and His ability to protect His purposes. By redirecting the Wise Men, God thwarted Herod's plans and safeguarded the young Jesus. The dream served as a supernatural means of communication, a method God often used throughout biblical history to convey His will and guidance.

Theological Significance

The warning to the Wise Men underscores several key theological themes. Firstly, it highlights God's sovereignty and His active role in the affairs of humanity. Despite Herod's earthly power, God's plans for the Messiah could not be thwarted. Secondly, the inclusion of the Gentile Wise Men in the nativity account foreshadows the global reach of the Gospel, emphasizing that Jesus came for all people, not just the Jews.

Additionally, the narrative illustrates the theme of divine guidance and protection. Just as God guided the Wise Men through the star and the dream, He continues to guide and protect His people today. This event also serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare that surrounds the coming of Christ, with Herod's opposition symbolizing the broader conflict between the kingdom of God and the forces of evil.

In summary, the account of God warning the Wise Men from the East is a profound demonstration of His providence and care, ensuring the fulfillment of His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 2:12,13
And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

On the Feast of the Epiphany, iii.
... the Author of the universe: and let God be known ... Now when the wise men had worshipped
the Lord and finished all their devotions, according to the warning of a ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xxxiii on the feast.htm

"We have Seen his Star"
... said of the wise men from the East, as afterward ... In like manner Joseph received warning
to flee into ... Through the wise men, God had called the attention of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 6 we have seen.htm

God's Purpose for his Church
... These sentinels gave the message of warning; and when they were called to lay off
their armor ... Through Daniel God saved the life of all the wise men of Babylon ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 1 gods purpose for.htm

The Gospel.
... To Bethlehem came the mysterious wise men from the east. ... inheritance, the Holy One
was safe in Egypt, whither Joseph had carried Him, by the warning of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xx the gospel.htm

Noah's Justice
... And amidst all this, while men, as wise, as old ... read, he preached righteousness to
the very men who mocked ... was "the still small voice" of God, warning him that ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon x noahs justice.htm

In the Outer Court
... at the close of His life, as the wise men had come ... the praise of men rather than
the approval of God. ... To them all the Saviour's warning words apply: "He that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 68 in the outer.htm

On the Incarnation and Redemption
... or kings, called Magi, came from the East"perhaps from ... After the departure of the
Wise Men, God sent an angel ... Joseph warning him of Herod's evil designs, and ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 7 on the incarnation.htm

"Come Thou and all Thy House into the Ark. "
... drove a nail into the ark it was a warning to them. ... Well," the statesmen and wise
men say, "We ... find, if you read your Bible carefully, that God always precedes ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/come thou and all thy.htm

An Earnest Warning About Lukewarmness
... I speak as unto wise men, judge ye how far this may ... the offenders, or made your own
example a warning to them ... This text belongs to the church of God, not to the ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/an earnest warning about lukewarmness.htm

Letter xvi. To the Bishops of Sicily.
... any previous rebuke by way of warning from us. ... ever remained immutably fore-ordained
in God's eternal counsel ... him: another, when the three wise men attracted by ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter xvi to the bishops.htm