Why would three or so wise men from the far east, after seeing an astronomical event, conclude that they should load up the camels, pile on the treasure, and head to Israel to worship a newly born king? Well, because of the prophecy about a Star. Now, in tomorrow’s post I will talk all about the stars, but for now stars are more than flaming orbs of gas, not less. Darwin teaches us that matter is all there is, but that’s just fool’s talk. Stars talk and dance after all.
The Magi (as they were called) knew to be watching for a star. How? First, because we know that a pagan seer once gave this oracle:
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.
Numbers 24:17
The ancients didn’t toss aside such prophecies with the indifference of pitching out an empty coffee cup. It is the likeliest thing for these sorts of prophecies to circulate to various priests and cultures. Stargazers would most certainly be interested in such a fortuitous Star prophecy. Which leads to another clue in this little puzzle. We forget that there was once a Jew of legendary godliness who was put over all the presidents, magicians, and soothsayers of the ancient far east. His name was Daniel. He was known for being an interpreter of dreams and visions. He is the likeliest source for the eastern astrologers to have come across this Moabite prophecy of a star arising in Israel.
Once more, we see that God is the hand behind the entire story of this universe. Stars in heaven do His bidding. Stargazers on earth who discern that heavenly dance follow His signs. Kings are His tools. Shepherds, carpenters, priests, Romans, handmaidens, Inn-keepers, all do His bidding. God’s story was coming to its denouement. This little boy was born, and the Stars were like neon signs to tell anyone who would look that here was the Main Character. The wise men were paying attention. Here was the King of the World. The takeaway? Come and worship Him.
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