The Bible does not specify the number of wise men, only that they were in the plural. The tradition of three wise men comes from the number of gifts they gave, but there could have been more or less than three.
The word “wise” has its origins in the Greek word “mag’-os,” which means Magi. The Magi were learned men who were trusted advisors to kings. They hailed from the east, which may have been Persia, and were highly skilled in various fields such as mathematical calculations, astronomy, dream interpretation, and history.
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had a dream in 604 BC, and he wanted the magi to interpret it. According to the book of Daniel, the magi were among the highest officials in Babylon.
Daniel 2:2 Then the king commanded to call the magicians, the astrologers, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king.
No one of Persian descent could ascend to the throne without first mastering the scientific disciplines of the magi and then earning their approval and coronation.
Because of Daniel’s esteemed position and widespread influence among the Magi, it is highly probable that the Magi gained significant knowledge from the prophet about the one true God, i.e., the God of Israel, His intentions, and His plans for His people through the advent of a glorious King.
It is likely that Jewish messianic influence remained strong in the Babylon region even during New Testament times since many Jews intermarried with the people of the east and stayed there after the Exile.
The Magi may have been influenced by Judaism and prophetic writings, particularly Daniel’s. They were among the Gentile God-fearers of the time of Christ’s birth.
When the magi arrived in Jerusalem, however many there were, they began asking, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” They most likely went around the city questioning whomever they met.
As foreigners, they assumed that everyone in Judea and Jerusalem knew about the birth of the King.
During the time of Jesus’ birth, people widely anticipated the arrival of a great king and deliverer. Even the Romans knew of the birth of a king who would rule the earth.
The Roman historian Suetonius wrote about the time around the birth of Christ, stating that an old and established belief had spread throughout the Orient, claiming that men coming from Judea were fated to rule the world at that time.
Another Roman historian, Tacitus, wrote, “there was a firm persuasion that at this very time the east was to grow powerful and rulers coming from Judea were to acquire a universal empire.”
The Bible does not explain which star guided the Wise Men, but it may have been the same light that shone around the shepherds at Jesus’ birth.
Luke 2:9 “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.”
In the Old Testament, we learn that God’s glory was often revealed through light. This is evident in the form of a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, which guided the children of Israel through the wilderness.
Exodus 13:21 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night.
When Moses ascended Mount Sinai, the glory of the Lord appeared to the Israelites like a consuming fire atop the mountain.
Exodus 24:17 And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.
Moses inscribed the Ten Commandments on stone tablets. Upon his return, his face was still aglow with the light of God’s glory.
Exodus 34:30 And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.
When Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John, His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.
Matthew 17:2 When Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John, “His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.”
In both Hebrew (kôkab) and Greek (aster) languages, the word for “star” is used figuratively to represent something radiant and brilliant. In the Old Testament, the Messiah is referred to as a “star” that will come from Jacob. This reference is made very early on in the scripture.
Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
The wise men (Magi) from the east had come to Palestine with one purpose: to find the born King of the Jews and worship Him.
The word “worship” carries the meaning of prostrating oneself, kissing the feet or hem of the garment of the person honored. This truth reveals that wise men were true seekers of God.
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Wise men and women still seek him!
Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.
Psalms14:2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if any did understand, and seek God.
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
“Never give up on pursuing what may seem impossible to achieve.”
Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
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