Magi from the East

[Vulgivagus hagiographus]

Okay, at Jesus birth, the Magi came from the east following a star they saw in the east. Now lets think here.... If they were from the east, following a star east of them, how did they end up in a place west of them?

 

[Pressing_On]

I have a theory on that. For these guys to follow this star it had to be very low in the sky. Think of the distince they were following it and the accuracy with which it led them to the place where Jesus was. So I think when they saw the star it was in the east. Where they were. And I think the star moved to the west, but at first it was in the east.

 

[daveleau]

Interesting. Where did Herod rule from? Was it Jerusalem? Bethlehem is south west of Jerusalem. It is far from the Mediterranean, though. Maybe Herod ruled from somewhere west of there. ???

 

[sarah marie]

When the wise men came from the east to Jerusalem, they did not state that they had followed the star to get to Jerusalem. They inquired about the King of the Jews, stating that they had seen his star in the east. After they left Jerusalem, the star went before them until it stood over the place where the child was.

But don't forget who commands the stars in the sky...

 

[sarah marie]

Here's a related question...

How many wise men were there?

 

[daveleau]

3- haven't you seen a nativity before? (just kidding)

I think there was an undeterminate number, but they've always displayed 3 because there were 3 gifts. The only absolute is that there was more than one. Otherwise it would have been a wise man.

 

[G4m]

Another question, who were they really?



Genesis 41
8 In the morning his mind was troubled, so he sent for all the magicians and
wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret
them for him.

Daniel 5
15 The wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing
and tell me what it means, but they could not explain it.

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.

 

[KleinerApfel]

Another question, who were they really?



Genesis 41
8 In the morning his mind was troubled, so he sent for all the magicians and
wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret
them for him.

Daniel 5
15 The wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing
and tell me what it means, but they could not explain it.

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.

Looks to me like they were the first gentiles and pagans ever to have faith in Christ.

Blessings, Susana

 

[JJM]

Okay, at Jesus birth, the Magi came from the east following a star they saw in the east. Now lets think here.... If they were from the east, following a star east of them, how did they end up in a place west of them?

I'm sorry but I just read over the passage and where does it say that they saw the star in east?? I don't see it.

 

[Philip]

I'm sorry but I just read over the passage and where does it say that they saw the star in east?? I don't see it.

The Gospel According to St.Matthew 2:2:
"Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him."​

To the OP:
The Magi were stating that the star was visible in the Eastern lands. They did not mean that the had seen the star to the east of them.

 

[JJM]

The Gospel According to St.Matthew 2:2:
"Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him."​

To the OP:
The Magi were stating that the star was visible in the Eastern lands. They did not mean that the had seen the star to the east of them.

My bible says "at it's rising" not "In the east" and I'd also like to point out that the star didn't start leading them until after they left King Herod’s Palace. and because stars move in the nights sky it could very well have been in the east when they first saw it.

 

[Philip]

My bible says "at it's rising" not "In the east"

The Greek literally states "at the rising". It is an idiom for "in the east". I don't think "it's rising" is correct. Ho is a demonstrative pronoun, not posessive.

 

[LynneClomina]

awesome website here:

http://www.bethlehemstar.net/

has an excellent write up on it.

 

[inhimitrust]

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.

I don't assume how many there were and if it would have been important, I think it would have stated it. The important part is what "they" brought. These 3 things were used ceremonially and holy. Gold was used to adorn the temple and trimmings, and was vauled more than any other metal. I hope this answers your question ok.
Leviticus 2:1 'When anyone offers a grain offering to the LORD, his offering shall be [of] fine flour. And he shall pour oil on it, and put frankincense on it.

Son 3:6 Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness Like pillars of smoke, Perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, With all powders of the merchant?

Song of Solomon 4:6 Until the day breaks And the shadows flee away, I will go my way to the mountain of myrrh And to the hill of frankincense.