When the Wise Men Came

...behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 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 (Matthew 2:1b-2).

The second chapter of Matthew is the only biblical account of the wise men or magi who came to visit Jesus. They knew of the prophecy that told of this special king, and they had seen the strange star in the eastern sky as predicted. How adventuresome and bold of them to make this long, grueling journey to honor this King.

...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 exceedingly great joy. 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 opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:9b-11).

Although the Bible doesn't name the foreign visitors, legend and tradition give their names as Caspar, Balthasar, and Melchior. Neither does the Bible tell us how many came, but, because the plural is used, we know there was more than one. We get the idea there were three because they brought three gifts: frankincense, gold, and myrrh. These gifts were ones commonly given at the birth of a king. In contrast to the shepherds, these were wealthy, educated, respected men. This must have happened sometime after the birth because the small family was now in a house.

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way (Matthew 2:12).


The magi may have learned of the Messiah's coming from Daniel (see Daniel 9). Daniel had become important in Babylon, and then Persia conquered the Babylonians and had access to their records. These wise men appear in contrast to the common Jewish shepherds who first worshipped the Baby. Perhaps they are another example that the Christ Child would be the Savior of the whole world. Would that all people go to as much trouble to find Him.

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