Matthew 2:11

And they came into the house.

Not, probably, the stable where the Lord was born, but. temporary home obtained after the crowd had left Jerusalem. Many commentators suppose that Joseph and Mary remained at Bethlehem until the forty days of purification were passed; that the young child was presented in the temple as recorded in Luke 2:22. that then they returned to Bethlehem, only six miles away; were visited shortly after by the wise men, and thence fled into Egypt. If this is correct, the young child must have been six or seven weeks old at the time of this visit.

With Mary his mother.

The child was probably in the mother's arms. Joseph is not named, either because he was not present, or because he is less important.

They fell down and worshiped him.

Observe that no adoration is offered his mother. There is not the slightest ground for Mariolatry anywhere in the New Testament. The worship of the Magi was more than the usual reverence for kings, for they were not Jews. They recognized in him. more than human King.

When they had opened their treasures.

They had brought these all the way from the East as an offering. They offer to him gifts such as were offered to kings by embassadors or vassals.

Gold.. usual offering to kings and to the gods worshiped at Gentile shrines.

Frankincense.. costly and fragrant gum distilled from. tree in India and Arabia.

Myrrh. An aromatic gum produced from. thorn bush that grew in Arabia and Ethiopia and also in parts of Palestine, used for fumigation, for mingling with wine, and for the manufacture of precious ointment.

These gifts were costly, and give no clue to the home of the Magi. The providence of God is seen in these gifts. It provided the means necessary for the flight to Egypt that was to follow at once and to sustain in the holy family in. foreign land.