History, ping!
There were many recorded astronomical events in the first decade B.C. which could plausibly explain the appearance of the Star, including multiple conjunctions of Jupiter with the bright star Regulus, per above (the "King" objects).
Unlike pagan beliefs that the planets, et al *cause* significant events, Scripture is replete with instances where we are instructed to look for the "signs" ...
NO! Next question.IBTH (in before the haters.)
“We even have an ancient Chinese chronicle, the Ch’ien-han-shu, which states that an object, probably a nova, or new star, was observed in March in 5 B.C. and remained visible for 70 days.”
Some people think the “wise men” were actually from China, as it took two years to follow the Silk Road to the West.
“(whereupon Augustus, who had granted Herod his puppet kingdom, remarked that since Herod observed kosher laws to placate his Jewish subjects, “It is better to be Herod’s pig than Herod’s son”).”
This is actually from a play by Macrobius (4th century), a man called “the last of the pagans”. But he ascribes Augustus’ pun to Herod’s slaying of all the children in “Syria”, as Judea would then have been geographically.
Whether he invented the saying, or Augustus actually said it,is unknown. But evidently the massacre of the innocents was known about, either from Christian or other sources.
As for “magi”, it is fairly certain that Matthew wrote originally in Hebrew, and therefore would have used a Hebrew term. This was then translated as “magi”, but which might have only meant “wise men” or “sages”. At this point, and with our scantly knowledge of the cultures, we cannot say why exactly this word was chosen to be used.
(You know if Shea ever reads this, he’s going to be kicking himself for not coming up with that.)
The Pope cilled mi chikins
Interesting. Thanks!
“Mystery Babylon” has no relationship whatsoever to the Magi of ancient Babylon.
The Magi were descendants of Daniel’s students, and were well versed in prophecy, and the Biblical origin of the named constellations.
“Mystery Babylon” is described in Revelation as “The Great Men of the Earth.”
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No. It’s islam. Next question.
“Those who assume that any contact between biblical and pagan beliefs can only lead to paganization of biblical teaching should note that there’s very good reason to think the Magi’s beliefs were a mix of Persian astrology and messianic ideas floating around their country, courtesy of the significant Jewish population that had lived there since the days of Nebuchadnezzar, five centuries before.”
That’s an interesting thought. There is, of course, the famous prophecy in Daniel of the 70 weeks, that includes a timeline to the coming of the Messiah. Perhaps some of these easterners were familiar with that prophecy and that is why they were looking for a sign in the heavens about the birth of the “Jewish King” at that particular time.