The Star, the Magi and the 3 Gifts

The Star, the Magi and the 3 Gifts

The Book of Matthew is the only book that mentions the Magi.  Now, in the Book of Daniel, would give us a little insight to the Magi.  Daniel and his friends were considered Magi, yet they were believer's in the TRUE GOD.  It is possible that these Magi came from Babylon and beyond.  We are not told their exact locations of residence.  Magi, being many, and Magnus, would mean one. It is also possible, that these Magi, had been taught the Hebrew Messianic prophesies as our scripture gives a hint to. The Magi, were Astonomers and studied the stars, and they were Astrologer's be following the position of stars in the monthly skies. It was considered a sort of sorcery and mysticism, and was for those with the ability to read and give wisdom to the king, regarding things within the kingdom.  They were considered to be of higher status, because of their ability. This is why Daniel, was regarded highly also. (see Daniel 2)

Matthew 2:2-11 (KJV)

2 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,

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.

3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

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.

5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

9 When 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.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

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.

The Star!  It was a star like no other. It had to be very bright!  It was something new in the skies above the Magi.  They knew this star was significant.  Some scholars believe that the star was a shooting comet or a nova, that was visible for 70 days over the eastern skies, as far as China.  Others believe it was a stationary planet.  And yet, other scholars believe it was a heavenly host of angels guiding light to the birthplace of JESUS.  All we know, is Matthew, thought it was special, and included it in his GOSPEL.  Surely, Mary had shared this information regarding JESUS birth, with the Disciples!  As she was mentioned to ponder these things in her heart.  What mother, has not shared the most precious event of their lifetime, with others?  Mary surely shared about her precious SON's arrival!

The 3 Gifts

Frankinsense, Myrh and Gold, were the gifts that Matthew mentions.  Why were these given?

Isaiah 60:6 The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the Lord.

Isaiah 60 begins with the prophesy of the MESSIAH!  Please take a moment to read it.

Frankinsense is a tree resin, that was highly prized for incense. Frankincense resin  is used in some disease conditions like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel diseases, osteoarthritis, and relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.  It is not easily harvested, because snakes are drawn to the trees that produce it.  It is mainly harvested in the Horn of Africa.  When combined with Myrh, it is used to move blood circulation, stroke and lock jaw. Frankinsense was used to prepare bodies for burial, and also was used  by Hewbrew Priests in the Temple. It is used in perfumed oils and as incense today. it is called Boswellia resin.

Myrh, is a gum resin, and is harvested from the Commiphora myrrha.  The spikes or thorns of this tree looks a lot like the thorns we depict in the crown placed upon JESUS head, before HE was crucified. Myrh is also used as an insense or as a purfumed oils. It is a bitter herb.  With Frankinsense which is sweet, it becomes Bittersweet. It also carries medicinal notatotions, and was most likel used in burial preparations also.

Gold, was thought to help with arthritis in olden times! It was collected by kings, to make them rich.  It was used as body ornaments, used on buildings, and idols.  It was a versatile metal, that could be made into coins.  Rich ore deposits are found all over the world, and it is still highly sought and traded. In Christianity, gold is thought of is both holiness and evil. Whatever the reason the Magi, included gold, it was most likely to fulfill the prophesy in Isaiah 60. It was a gift befitting a KING!

All three of the gifts, were highly sought after and precious gifts. May we reflect upon the Gifts of the Magi and the bright shining star as GOD fulfills HIS WORD to us.