Matthew 2:1 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,
Who was Herod? He was also known as Herod the Great, was a Roman client king of Judea, referred to as the Herodian kingdom. The emperor Augustus gave Herod the title King of the Jews and his connections with Rome, He would have been deeply offended by the Magi who were (Matthew 2:2) Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? …
Was Herod a Jew? Herod was born in southern Palestine. His father, Antipater, was an Edomite (a Semitic people, identified by some scholars as Arab, who converted to Judaism in the 2nd century BCE). Antipater was a man of great influence and wealth who increased both by marrying the daughter of a noble from Petra (in southwestern Jordan), at that time the capital of the rising Arab Nabataean kingdom. Thus, Herod was of Arab origin, although he was a practicing Jew.
Why did Herod kill Baby boys 2 years and under? Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. After consulting with his chief priests and scribes, he determined the child might be as old as two years and living in or around Bethlehem. Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
No outsider was going to overthrow Him as King of the Jews.
Matthew 2:1Now 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,
Who were the wise men? Probably Jews who knew the Scripture and were looking for the Messiah. Many say they were gentiles because they were astrologers (Couldn’t Jews be astrologers?). They felt compelled by God and when they saw a new star in the sky to go to Jerusalem and bring gifts to the son of God who was to be born, King of the Jews.
What are Magi? The word Magi comes from the greek word ‘magos’ (where the english word ‘magic’ comes from). Magos itself comes from the old persian word ‘Magupati’. This was the title given to priests in a sect of the ancient Persian religions such as Zoroastrianism. Today we’d called them astrologers.
Where did they come from? In the ancient Middle Eastern world Magi were trusted advisors to kings, were learned men proficient in the knowledge of mathematical calculations, astronomy, medicine, astrology, alchemy, dream interpretation and history as well as practitioners of magic and paranormal arts. Daniel 2:2Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king.
How did they travel? The Magi travelled in a large group with many camels and horses moving in a caravan. The camels are usually capable of adjusting with the toughest kind of journeys in the desert.
How long did they stay in Jerusalem? Until they had met and consulted with the King and then again when the Star reappeared. Itwould appear the star had disappeared from view for a short time, perhaps by an overcast sky. But once Bethlehem was affirmed as the place the King of the Jews was to be born, the star reappeared over Bethlehem leading them there. Matthew 2:9-10When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
How did they get to Bethlehem? They “followed” the star (Bethlehem was only 5 miles from Jerusalem) The star did not move.
Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Would Gentiles be seeking the KING OF THE JEWS? Maybe the King of Israel. Only Jews would have been looking for a sign, looking for the King of the Jews.
What few Bible readers realize is that the claim to be “King of the Jews” was a highly charged political act of sedition or lese-majesty, considered a capital crime by Roman Law.
How did they know what the sign was? The Wise Men/Magi were educated and notable men who studied the stars and apparently knew the prophecies (of Scripture) as well. It is thought to have been Daniel the Prophet who first introduced the Magi to the Holy Scriptures of the God of Israel. And, it’s believed that throughout the centuries these wise men studied the Hebrew Scriptures; and therefore, understood the timing of the Messiah’s birth and the sign that would lead them to the place where He would be born.
Why did they go to Jerusalem? Didn’t they follow the star? The Star was over Jerusalem and where else would one look for a King? In the capital city. The Star apparently disappeared (perhaps by an overcast sky) when they reached Jerusalem. But later reappeared and the wise men headed form Bethlehem.
Matthew 2:2Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Probably not a star. As the well-known story in the Gospel of Matthew goes, wise men, followed the Star of Bethlehem to Jerusalem some 2,000 years ago. And after consulting with King Herod of Judea, the men followed the star and found newborn baby Jesus in the little town of Bethlehem
Men have navigated by the stars for centuries. The star was probably a NOVA, it shines very bright and then fades over a few months.
Did the star move? No, Bethlehem being about 5 miles from Jerusalem, they probably just assumed the King of the Jews would be born in Jerusalem. But now Bethlehem was verified as where they should go.
How did they know this was a sign of the birth of the King of the Jews Through their studies of Scripture, the Stars and other writings and perhaps worship and prayer. The Jewish nation is composed of twelve ancient tribes. Jewish prophecy states that a particular tribe will bring forth the Messiah: the tribe of Judah. The symbol of Judah’s tribe is the lion. You can see these connections in an ancient prediction of Messiah’s coming found in the first book of the Bible.
Would Gentiles worship a Jew? The only crown the Gentiles gave to Christ was a crown of thorns.
Matthew 2:5And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
Genesis 49:9-10You are a lion’s cub, O Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness– who dares to rouse him? The sceptre will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his.
Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
Why didn’t the wise men go to straight to Bethlehem? They assumed the King of the Jews would be born in Jerusalem.
When did Joseph and Mary move to the House? Joseph and Mary moved there after leaving the Manger.
How long did they live in the house? Joseph and Mary lived in the house almost 2 years
Who owned the house? Probably a relative of Joseph’s, he was born in Bethlehem.
How did the wise men know which house? Probably by asking questions, remember the Shepherds made this knowledge known abroad. Luke 2:17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense dand myrrh.
Gold, of course is money. Frankincense was a perfume and spiritual incense, burned in temples throughout the East. Myrrh is an expensive spice, used for making perfume, incense, medicine, and for anointing the dead.
Frankincense and Myrrhcould easily be sold for money.
Why did they bring gifts? These are common gifts to present to Royalty, and were probably used to help Joseph and Mary escape for King Herod.
When did The Magi leave? After they had worshipped and presented their gifts.
MATTHEW 2:12And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Joseph, warned by God in a dream. (Remember Joseph Believed in and Obeyed God). Matthew 2:13And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
To escape Herod, Joseph began a series of moves, (which were fulfilment of Scripture). Led by dreams from God, the first move was to the country of Egypt. Matthew 2:14-15 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
This fulfilled Scripture; Hosea 11:1When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.
They appearently stayed in Egypt for a short while, until again directed by God.
Matthew 2:19-22But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
Joseph had to move many times to keep his son safe, always led by dreams from GOD. These travels were probably paid for with the gifts they had received from the Magi. Remember Joseph and Mary were not wealthy. And finally, they came to the city of Nazareth. Matthew 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
Judges 13:5For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.
From Galilee to Bethlehem to Egypt to Land of Israel to Nazareth.
A fulfilment of Prophecy … So that Jesus would be called a Nazarene.
All this was prophesied in the Old Testament. Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Psalm 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: ForgivenessPsalm 103:3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; RedemptionPsalm 103:4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; … Kindness, Mercy Psalm 103:4… who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Satisfies Psalm 103:5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; … Righteousness Psalm 103:6The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. Merciful, GraciousPsalm 103:8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
Psalm 65 Count your many Blessings ForgivenessPsalm 65:3Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away. BlessedPsalm 65:4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, …
God takes care of the Earth and all that dwell thereon: Psalm 65:9-13 Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it. Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof. Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness. They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing. WE have many, many things to be thankful for.
New Year’s Day was celebrated for the first time in 45 B.C., when the Julian calendar first took effect.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a holiday in cities and states throughout the United States beginning in 1971; the holiday was enacted at the federal level by legislation signed by President Ronald Reagan in 1986.
Washington’s Birthday was the first Federal holiday to honor an individual’s birth date. In 1885, Congress designated February 22 as a holiday for all Federal workers. In 1970, To give federal employees a three-day weekend, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved it to the third Monday in February, which can occur from February 15 to the 21st. The day soon became known as President’s Day.
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.
Juneteenth was first celebrated in Texas in 1866. Freed men, women and children gathered in rural communities and freedom colonies to rejoice with parades, dances, hallelujahs, feasts, music. Jun 17, 2021 it will be the United States’ 11th federal holiday, joining the ranks of President’s Day and Thanksgiving, and the first new one created since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983.
Independence Day also called Fourth of July or July 4th, in the United States, the annual celebration of nationhood. It commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.
Labor day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States. President Grover Cleveland signed a bill into law on June 28, 1894.
Columbus Day a federal holiday in the United States, which officially celebrates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. Was signed as federal holiday by President Johnson on June 28, 1968, to be effective beginning in 1971.
Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed legislation establishing November 11th as Veterans Day.
Thanksgiving Day the earliest celebration was held in 1578. In 1870, Congress passed legislation making Thanksgiving (along with Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Independence Day) a national holiday. However, unlike the other holidays in the bill, the President had the discretion to set the date for Thanksgiving. With few exceptions, each President until Franklin D. Roosevelt followed Lincoln’s lead by declaring the last Thursday of November a National Day of Thanks.
Christmas Day is celebrated every December 25th, and has been a federal holiday since 1885. In the Middle Ages, Christmas celebrations were rowdy and raucous—a lot like today’s Mardi Gras parties. Christ’s birth is traditionally celebrated in the West on December 25th, but many Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7. Neither date is likely correct in light of several clues uncovered by historians and information in the Bible itself.
