Bible Question: WHERE DID THE MAGI'S THAT PRESENTED THE LORD GIFTS CAME FROM, AND WHAT WAS THEIR RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND? |
Bible Answer: The idea that there were three and that they came to the manger at bethlehem is based upon Francis of assisis I believe.But the scriptures tell it differently.(doesnt it always?) For herod asked them diligently when they first saw the star. They went to the CHILD at the HOUSE is what the scriptures say. Herod sent orders to kill every male born child TWO YEARS and under. With all reasonableness then from his carefull questioning of the magi it took them at least 18 MONTHS to travel to bethleham from the EAST. if not more and up to two years. Why three? it does not mention the number. It is presumbed because of the three gifts. It too doers not say how much.only how many. Moroever the WHOLE of jerusalem was troubled.Three magi would have been little noticed you might think in a great city astride such a trade route/s They traveled in a caravan and given the costly gifts a relatively BIG ONE! The question where from then is answered by where in the east would it take nearly two years to travel from? It is a possablity that it was China. Traveling down the silk route. The knowledge of God is self evident in all of creation(romans) Where ever they came from they were not only wise but had understanding also. Genesis speaks of times and seasons being known by th stars. But this was no comet or alignment of planets . Whatever the nature of the star.They knew what it meant and were commited enough to follow where so ever it LED them. thus by and by they came to know Him who not only was BORN king of the jews but also is the way the truth and the life. It is worth perhaps noting that it was gentile magi who proclaimed him king of the jews. at his birth. and it was a gentile pilate who also recognised and proclaimed him king of the jews also at his death. |