“Now 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” (Matthew 2:1)
Who were the Wise Men?
The Wise Men of Christmas are called “magi” in Latin, from the Greek word “magoi.”. The words “magic” and “magician” come from the root magoi. They had great knowledge of astronomy and astrology.
The Magi served as priests, astrologers, interpreters of dreams and advisers to kings. Wise Men are mentioned in the Bible is in the books of Jeremiah, Daniel and Matthew.
In Daniel 5:11, Daniel was appointed ruler over the Magi when he was able to interpret dreams that the Wise Men could not.
“Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, ‘The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, reveal unto the king. There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods. King Nebuchadnezzar your father–your father the king, I say–appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners.”
The gifts they presented were significant:
- Gold is precious and fit for a King.
- Frankincense is an incense and represents His Priesthood.
- Myrrh was used as an embalming ointment and was one of the spices used when Jesus was buried (John 19:39)
It is amazing to consider God’s design and planning in history. Because of the influence of the prophet Daniel, the Magi would have been familiar with Messianic prophecy and thus were expecting the arrival of the Messiah.
Interest in sorcery and astrology continues into our day.
What does God say about that?
“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.” (Deuteronomy 18:10)
Where can we find real wisdom?
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)
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