Matthew 2:4 The chief priests and scribes were aware of Micah 5:2 and other prophecies about the Messiah. The wise men's news troubled Herod because he knew that the Jewish people expected the Messiah to come soon (Luke 3:15). Most Jews expected the Messiah to be a great military and political deliverer, like Alexander the Great. Herod's counselors would have told Herod this. No wonder this ruthless man took no chances and ordered all the baby boys in Bethlehem killed (2:6).
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Matthew 2:5, 6 Matthew often quoted Old Testament prophets. This prophecy paraphrasing Micah 5:2, had been delivered seven centuries earlier.
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Matthew 2:6 Most religious leaders believed in a literal fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecy, therefore, they believed the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Ironically, when Jesus was born, these same religious leaders became His greatest enemies. When the Messiah for whom they had been waiting finally came, they didn't recognize Him.
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Matthew 2:8 Herod did not want to worship Christ - he was lying. This was a trick to get the wise men to return to him and reveal the whereabouts of the new born King. Herod's plan was to kill Jesus.
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Matthew 2:11 Jesus was probably one or two years old when the wise men found Him. By this time, Mary and Joseph were married, living in a house, and intending to stay in Bethlehem for a while.
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Matthew 2:11 The wise men gave these expensive gifts because they were worthy presents for a future King. Bible students have seen in the gifts symbols of Christ's identity and what He would accomplish. Gold was a gift for a king; frankincense, a gift for deity; myrrh, a spice for a person who was going to die. These gifts may have provided the financial resources for the trip to Egypt and back.
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