The Arrival of the Magi

December 22nd, 2025
by Lance Waldie

Matthew 2:1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem…

Sometime after the events of Luke 2:21-38, after Mary completed her purification rites related to childbirth, she and Joseph settled in Bethlehem before “magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem.” Though legends of their identity abound, the Bible does not even reveal how many there were, much less their names. The notion of their being three comes from their three gifts.

The magi (KJV “wise men”) appear in the OT and also in the writings of Herodotus (484-425 BC) and others. They were in Babylon as part of a group of advisors to Nebuchadnezzar II (612-562 BC). Their influence later made its way into the Medo-Persian Empire and existed through both the Greek and Roman empires up to the time when Christ was born. During that time, they became a tribe of eastern peoples. Later they became part of Parthia (modern Iran).

Skilled in astronomy, and as observers and interpreters of the stars, the magi were known as astrologers, even sorcerers. They gained considerable political power through their astrological interpretations and rose to places of prominence. As advisors to the kings, they were known as wise men. They had a reputation for being skilled in mathematics, natural history, agriculture, and architecture. Their wisdom was called the law of the Medes and the Persians (Dan. 6:8,12,15), and nothing they decreed could be rescinded if the king agreed to their advice (cf. Esther 1:19; Dan. 6:8). In fact, no Persian could become king until he first mastered scientific and religious disciplines and then was approved by the magi. As a result, the magi were not only the teachers of all the nobility in the East, they were also known as “king makers.”

Dating back to 605 BC, when the first group of Jewish exiles were taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar, these magi existed in the king’s court (cf. Jer. 39:3, 13; Dan. 2:10; 4:7). Upon being taken captive to Babylon, Daniel was one among a handful of young Jewish men who were trained by the Babylonians in their literature to be among the magi (Dan. 1:4). With God’s guidance, some of these Jews were so impressive to Nebuchadnezzar that he appointed them as governors over Babylon (2:49). Daniel’s God-given ability to interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams caused him to be appointed chief of the magi (Dan. 2:48; 5:11).

As Babylon gave way to the Medes and Persians, and as the Persians gave way to the Greeks who succumbed to the Romans, the magi, apart from Daniel’s guidance, became corrupt. In spite of this, Daniel’s influence continued within this powerful group. Since there is no doubt that he used his influence among the magi within both the Babylonian and the Medo-Persian Empires (605 BC to 535 BC), Daniel’s teachings from the Hebrew Scriptures influenced those kingdoms up to the birth of Christ. How else could the magi from the East have known to make their way to Judea looking for the King? Though Daniel’s teachings were later ignored by most, like the entire history of Judaism and Christianity, a remnant of true magi in Daniel’s likeness evidently survived into each successive generation until the birth of that King, Jesus of Nazareth.

Clearly, God directed Daniel’s captivity in Babylon. For He made Daniel a great Hebrew prophet who would rule over the magi in 600 BC so that one day when the Christ was born in Bethlehem, some magi would find their way to Him and testify that He the promised King.

Food For Thought
The NT is an extension of the OT. When the NT begins in Matthew’s Gospel, there is 2,000 years of history—from Abraham to Mary—that brings the life of Christ into greater focus. Prophets like Micah, Daniel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Ezra, and Malachi all prophesy about what will transpire beginning in Matthew. So read the OT! It is a collection of books inspired by God, and they speak of the mighty wonders of God, His plan for eternity, His works, and His people. We cheat ourselves of a true blessing when we cease to read God’s word, the Bible. Stop depriving yourself therefore and read it today. Then read it every single day thereafter for what is left of your life on this earth. You will take it into eternity. It is the one thing we will take with us.