Matthew 2:2

Where is he that is born King of the Jews?

Their question shows two things. 1. That they partook of the general expectation that about this time there would appear in the East. Ruler divinely appointed to his mission. The works of profane writers of this period show that this expectation was by no means confined to the Jews. It is mentioned by Virgil, Suetonius, Tacitus, and other writers. It is even related by the Chinese that Confucius predicted the coming of the teacher of mankind about this time, and that within about. generation of the time of Christ's birth they sent. deputation as far west as India to try to find him. There they heard of Buddha, and concluded that it must have been he of whom their sage had spoken. 2. It is plain that the wise men misapprehended the mission of Christ, and expected him to be. secular king, who would revive all the ancient glories of the Jewish kingdom. The conception of. spiritual reign had to be taught to the world by example before it could be comprehended.

We have seen his star in the east.

No certain conclusion can be reached as to what this appearance in the heavens was which had such an effect on the wise men, and it is useless to enter into the discussions. Whether it was. conjunction of planets,. comet,. meteor, or some other sign, it was understood by them is signifying the birth of the promised King. Their knowledge of the coming King, their location of Judea as the place of his birth, and their choosing the right time to see the Divine Babe, all taken together, can hardly be accounted for otherwise than by conceding that they were of the number of Gentiles to whom was granted. revelation. It seemed. part of God's plan that Gentiles as well as Jews should offer homage to the infant King.