Matthew 2:1
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While the "wise men" are often thought of as coming directly to Bethlehem, Matthew first states they arrived in Jerusalem. This detail is crucial because it shows they began their search for the newborn King in the capital city, the natural place to inquire about royal births, before being directed to Bethlehem.
Just after Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, a group of wise men, known as Magi, arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They were seeking the newborn King of the Jews, having seen a special star that indicated his arrival. This arrival set in motion a chain of events, including Herod's alarm and his consultation with the Jewish scribes, which would ultimately lead to the revelation of Jesus' birthplace and the Magi's journey to him.
Matthew doesn't just tell us Jesus was born in Bethlehem; he immediately broadens the scope. Who else was looking for this King, and why did they come all the way to Jerusalem?
The arrival of the 'wise men' (Magi) from the East signals that Jesus's birth wasn't just a local event. These weren't just random travelers; they were learned individuals, likely astronomers or philosophers, who recognized a significant sign in the heavens.
A Universal Longing
The news of a newborn 'King of the Jews' didn't bring joy to everyone in Jerusalem. In fact, it sparked fear and a dangerous plot.
While the Magi sought a king to worship, King Herod saw a threat to his own power. His reaction reveals a stark contrast between the kingdom Jesus came to establish and the earthly kingdoms of men.
The Anxious Usurper
Understand the original words
Hierosolyma · Greek Proper Noun
The religious and political center of Israel, housing the temple and the seat of the Davidic monarchy, often representing the heart of the nation. It is where God chose to place His name and where the Messiah was expected to be recognized.
basileus · Greek Noun
The historical title for the ruling monarchs of the Jewish people during the period of the Roman occupation, most notably Herod the Great. It refers to one who holds supreme authority over the nation and represents the earthly power structure.
The visit of the Magi and the subsequent actions of Herod the Great highlight the stark contrast between the humble birth of Jesus and the political turmoil and fear His arrival generated in the world.
c. 40 BC
Herod the Great Appointed King
The Roman Senate appoints Herod, an Idumean, as the client King of Judea, initiating his rule over the region.
c. 20 BC - 10 BC
Herod the Great Renovates the Temple
Herod undertakes a massive rebuilding and expansion of the Jerusalem Temple, a project that would last for decades.
c. 6 BC - 5 BC— this verse
Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem
Jesus is born in Bethlehem of Judea during the reign of King Herod the Great.
c. 5 BC
Magi Visit Jerusalem
Wise men from the East arrive in Jerusalem, inquiring about the newborn 'King of the Jews' after seeing His star.
c. 5 BC
This verse lists the descendants of Joktan, whose settlements were in the East, connecting to the geographical origin of the 'wise men'.
Numbers 24:17Balaam prophesies about a 'star' arising from Jacob and a 'scepter' coming from Israel, which is often interpreted as a Messianic prophecy fulfilled by the star seen by the Magi.
Isaiah 60:1-3This prophetic passage speaks of 'nations' coming to Israel's light and 'kings' coming to its radiance, directly paralleling the arrival of the Gentile wise men to worship the newborn King of the Jews.
Daniel 2:10-11Daniel challenges the Babylonian astrologers (magi) by stating that only the gods, not mortal wisdom, can reveal such mysteries, highlighting the divine nature of the sign the Magi followed.
Micah 5:2This prophecy explicitly names Bethlehem as the birthplace of the ruler of Israel, directly informing Herod's and the scribes' response to the Magi's inquiry.
barnesMatthew 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,"
When Jesus was born - See the full account of his birth in Luke 2:1-20 . In Bethlehem of Judea - Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ, was a small town about six miles south of Jerusalem. The word "Bethlehem" denotes "house of bread" - perhaps given to the place on account of its great fertility. It was also called Ephrata, a word supposed likewise…
clarkeMatthew 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,"
Bethlehem of Judea - This city is mentioned in Judges 17:7 , and must be distinguished from another of the same name in the tribe of Zebulon, Joshua 19:15 . It is likewise called Ephrath, Genesis 48:7 , or Ephratah, Micah 5:2 , and its inhabitants Ephrathites, Ruth 1:2 ; 1 Samuel 17:12 . It is situated on the declivity of a hill, about six miles fr…
While the "wise men" are often thought of as coming directly to Bethlehem, Matthew first states they arrived in Jerusalem. This detail is crucial because it shows they began their search for the newborn King in the capital city, the natural place to inquire about royal births, before being directed to Bethlehem.
Just after Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, a group of wise men, known as Magi, arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They were seeking the newborn King of the Jews, having seen a special star that indicated his arrival. This arrival set in motion a chain of events, including Herod's alarm and his consultation with the Jewish scribes, which would ultimately lead to the revelation of Jesus' birthplace and the Magi's journey to him.
Just after Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, a group of wise men, known as Magi, arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They were seeking the newborn King of the Jews, having seen a special star that indicated his arrival. This arrival set in motion a chain of events, including Herod's alarm and his consultation with the Jewish scribes, which would ultimately lead to the revelation of Jesus' birthplace and the Magi's journey to him.
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Herod Consults Jewish Leaders
King Herod gathers the chief priests and scribes, who identify Bethlehem as the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah.
c. 4 BC
Herod's Massacre of the Innocents
Following the Magi's departure, Herod orders the killing of all male infants in Bethlehem aged two and under, seeking to eliminate the newborn King.
4 BC
Death of Herod the Great
King Herod the Great dies, after which his kingdom is divided among his sons.
"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem," — While the "wise men" are often thought of as coming directly to Bethlehem, Matthew first states they arrived in Jerusalem. This detail is crucial because it shows they began their search for the newb…
