Matthew 2:1

Jesus was born. Not Nazareth, but Bethlehem David's town. Pride in "family records" sent Jews back to their "home city." (See Luke 2:1-4). Bethlehem. Six miles south of Jerusalem, this was one of the oldest places in Judea. It was at least 1,500 years old when Christ was born there. It stands on the summit of a narrow ridge, which projects eastward from the central mountain chain of Judah. It was the scene of the Book of Ruth. David was born here. When Herod was king. This places the time. Since Herod died about 3 B.C., this demonstrates our calendar to be in error, and Christ's birth to be about 4 B.C. This Herod was the son of Antipater, an Edomite, and an Arabian mother. He was both brilliant and cruel, murdering even his own wife and sons. Seven Herods are mentioned in the New Testament. (l)Herod the Great (who is named in this verse). He received his authority from Rome. He had great force of character, but was a bloody tyrant. (2) Herod Archelaus, his son (Matthew 2:22). (3) Herod Antipas, ruler of Galilee, who killed John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1); he was also a son of Herod the Great. (4) Herod Philip, a third son, the lawful husband of Herodias (Matthew 14:3). (5) Another son who was also named Herod Philip (Luke 3:1). (6) Herod Agrippa, grandson of Herod the Great (Acts 12:1-2; Acts 12:23). (7) Herod Agrippa, son of the former. It was to him Paul made his famous defence (Acts 25:13; Acts 25:23; Acts 26:27). Men who studied the stars. The Magi. A name for a group of priests and philosophers, beginning in Persia and Media, who spread through the area of the Euphrates. Those mentioned in the Book of Daniel who "studied the stars" belonged to this group. No mention of how many came. East. Possible from the valley of the Euphrates,