Matthew 2:11

the house St Matthew gives no hint that "the house" was an inn, or that the babe was lying in a manger. Perhaps here as in other places we are misled by the ideas suggested by great pictures; and in truth the visit of the Magi should be placed at least some days after the events recorded in Luke 2:1-38.

their treasures Properly caskets or chests in which treasures were placed. Such offerings to kings were quite in accordance with Eastern usage. Seneca says "No one may salute a Parthian king without bringing a gift;" cp. Psalms 68:29; Psalms 72:10.

frankincense and myrrhwere products of Arabia, and, according to Herodotus, of that country only. They were both used for medicinal purposes and for embalming; cp. John 19:39.