In some scripture and commentaries we see Jewish and Egyptian history tells us a story of  Moses birth and about Pharaoh’s astrologers knowing that the mothers of Israel’s future deliverer was pregnant, that there was a slaughter (by drowning) of all Jewish and Egyptian infants for the next nine months. Matthew was trying to show Jesus’ significance by ascribing the similarities to his birth similar effects. A nation under oppression because of foreign rule and their needing a savior to end it. Moses birth story was a symbol of Jesus birth. Moses saves his people from Egypt captivity. Jesus came to save His people from their sins.

Matthew records history to bring out its theological significance and its relation to Scripture.  In this case, the suggested backdrop—stories about Moses’ birth—is not very apt; close study shows the theological matrix of the prologue centering on Jesus as the Davidic King and Son of God, not on him as the new Moses.

Matthew 2:1 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,

Bethlehem= House of bread, Jesus said “I am Bread of Life,” we pray “Give us this day Our daily Bread” connecting Christian and Jewish deeply to history, as a place of sustenance and spiritual significance, and specifically to the word of God.

Matthew specifies the time of Jesus’ birth as having occurred during King Herod’s reign.

there came wise men—literally, “Magi” or “Magians,” probably of the learned class who cultivated astrology and kindred sciences. Magi” or “Magians,” The Magi wise men were members of a Persian class probably teachers, priests, and seers of the learned class who cultivated astrology and kindred sciences whose expertise centered on interpreting celestial phenomena and astrology. (Study of movements of Moon, Planets, and Stars and predicting future evens). This practice came from Ancient Persian religion, called Zoroastrianism. These spiritual ancient practices have their roots from the occult /witchcraft. So, this tells me even evil knew to come worship the New Born King (Messiah). What is our issue today for not doing it?

from the east—but whether from Arabia, Persia, or Mesopotamia is uncertain, what we do know that they all came from the east and travelled west to get to Bethlehem.

Matthew 2:2 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.

It is interesting that they knew he would be “born King of the Jew’s” the messiah they were waiting for…

for we have seen his star in the east—Much has been written on the subject of this star; but from all that is here said it is perhaps safest to regard it as simply a luminous meteor, which appeared under special laws and for a special purpose. and have come to worship him—to do Him homage, as the word signifies; the nature of that homage depending on the circumstances of the case.

 Matthew 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled viewing this as a danger to his own throne: perhaps his guilty conscience also suggested other grounds of fear possibly Roman intervention.

and all Jerusalem with him—from a dread of revolutionary commotions, and perhaps also of Herod’s rage

Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

Remember Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon “commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams.”  (Daniel 2:2).

Matthew 2:5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

Bethlehem, of Judea the place near which Jacob buried his Rachel (Genesis 35:19), and Ruth met Boaz (Ruth 1:22–2:6), was the town where David was born and reared. For Christians and the Shepherds has become the place where angelic hosts broke the silence and announced Messiah’s birth (Luke 2).

Matthew 2:6 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.

Matthew 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

Matthew 2:8 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.

Herod sent them to Bethlehem to search diligently for the young child. However, he really wanted to know for himself so he could kill him. Jesus would have had to have been about two years old at the time of their arrival.   (Young child not babe).

Matthew 2:9 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.

The star, which they saw in the east, went before them, this star lead them the whole way and stood over where the young child was.

Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

They rejoiced with exceeding great joy. We as Christian believers should rejoiced with exceeding great joy and be overjoyed every Christmas season as we celebrate the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Just as these men were excited with exceeding great joy about the Star.

Matthew 2:11 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.

*Gold acknowledges that the baby Jesus is King.

* Frankincense acknowledges that Jesus is the “ High priest.”

* Myrrh foreshadows Jesus “ sacrifice on the cross’ for us. Furthermore, myrrh, applied to the bodies of the dead, signifies physical death.

And when they had come into the house- no mention of manger or stall it says they entered a house.

Even evil knows they must acknowledge Jesus Christ and worship Him. “Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess Jesus Christ is Lord.”

Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Also, we see in our Christmas history that once again angels (messengers) appear unto them and give them warning.

Here is where they made the right decision to depart another way and not return to tell Herod.  We know them as wise men…

Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

Again, we see angels appearing and giving warning to Joseph. We should notice both the wise men and Joseph harkened unto the warnings and followed immediately.

 Matthew 2:14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

Immediately the moved as instructed by God. we need to do this too when God speaks to use through the Holy Spirit.

 Matthew 2:15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

Joseph and Mary and the child remained there until the death of Herod then returned to Nazareth.

Hosea 11:1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

God loves each one of us and desires that we Love Him in return. That is why He has given us salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, God sent His only Son. Amen!

1 Timothy 6:15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords!

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Amen!