Scriptural text: Micah 5:2-4; Matthew 2:1-12
Lesson Context: The text for study involves a mysterious star. This invites a consideration of the distinction between astronomy and astrology. But the two were blended together in the ancient world. Astrology is the scientific study of the sun, moon, stars, planets, etc.; astrology combines that study with the belief that the so-called gods orchestrate the appearance, positions, and movement of heavenly phenomena and, therefore, reveal information about divine plans for the future (omens). Astrology is practiced today in the form of horoscopes associated with the zodiac.
The New King is Born (Matthew 2:1-2):
A. Coming to Jerusalem (v. 1). 1a. “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea.” Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Bethlehem (meaning “house of bread”) of Judaea was a few miles southwest of Jerusalem. 1b. “In the days of Herod the king.” This is the king known as Herod the Great, who ruled 37—4 BC, as the first Roman puppet-king of Judea. Herod the Great was not an ethnic Jew but the Idumean (related to modern Arabs).
B. Seeking the King (v. 2).
2a. “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” They traveled this great distance to honor a King. At that time the Jewish people were often despised and dishonored because of their unique customs and beliefs, and also often be- cause of the success and prosperity. They were often thought of as low, trouble- some, and conquered race. It was remarkable that they would trouble themselves so much to honor an infant King, but even more so a King of the Jews.
The Old King Is Troubled (Matthew 2:3-8):
A. Consulting the Scholars (vv. 3-4).
3. “When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” In Jerusalem, when Herod wasn’t happy, no one was in Jerusalem was happy, fearing another murderous rampage. The people would be willing to do about anything to placate the king.
4. A. “And when he had gathered all of the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.” The chief priests ruled Jerusalem’s temple. They had an unusual alliance with Herod that had enriched them greatly in the party of the Sadducees (Acts 5:17). The scribes were the experts in the Jewish Scriptures, often called upon to interpret fine points of the Law of Moses.
B. Pinpointing Bethlehem (vv. 5-6). “And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.”
C. Plotting Murder (vv. 7-8).
“Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.” The word privily indicates that Herod had dismissed the religious leaders in order to meet with the wise men alone. He set aside his rage in favor of plotting on his happy face for this meeting.
References: David Guzik: Study Guide for Matthew, International Sunday
School Lessons KJV 2023- 2024