Matthew 2

Jesus was born around 4 B.C. as prophesied in Bethlehem, based on Micah 5:2. The wise men had been studying the prophecy of the coming Messiah and they knew about the star from Numbers 24:17 and through dreams they were told to search for the baby Messiah DA 60. The star was a company of Angels.

 

As these magi studied the starry heavens, and sought to fathom the mystery hidden in their bright paths, they beheld the glory of the Creator. Seeking clearer knowledge, they turned to the Hebrew Scriptures. In their own land were treasured prophetic writings that predicted the coming of a divine teacher. Balaam belonged to the magicians, though at one time a prophet of God; by the Holy Spirit he had foretold the prosperity of Israel and the appearing of the Messiah; and his prophecies had been handed down by tradition from century to century. But in the Old Testament the Saviour's advent was more clearly revealed. The magi learned with joy that His coming was near, and that the whole world was to be filled with a knowledge of the glory of the Lord. . DA 59.3

 

The wise men knew the coming of the Lord but Israel didn’t. They saw the signs by studying the starry heavens and begin to see the glory of God. 

 

When the magi came looking for Jesus, the priest were prideful and closed the door of their hearts to the truth about Jesus being born. They thought God will not pass them by in order to speak to ignorant shepherds or uncircumcised Gentiles. They led the people to regard Jesus as a fanatical excitement. Here is the beginning of the rejection of Jesus by the priest and the rabbis. God was opening the door to the Gentiles and the door was closing to the Jewish leaders. Luke also talk about shepherds but I don’t think they are the same as the wise men. Luke 2:8-20

 

The cause of why Herod was seeking to destroy the child, is because of the priest and rulers. Their misrepresentation of God had brought this upon themselves. They had separated themselves from God by their sins and they rejected the Holy Spirit. They studied the scriptures to fit their own ideas and exalt themselves. They showed that God despised all other nations and that the Messiah will come to conquer his enemies. Thy excited the hatred of the their rulers. Herod thought that the Jews were trying to put another king on his throne. Soon after the cruel act of destroying all babies two years and younger, he faced a fearful death. God had directed Joseph to flee to Egypt. Satan tried to destroy Jesus as soon as He was born. This is also talked about in Revelation 12:4, 5. Matthew also shares the fulfillment and quotes the verses. Micah 5:2, Hosea 11:1, Jeremiah 31:15.

 

Not sure how long Joseph was in Egypt, but some sources say maybe three or four months. If so, the Lord had asked them to travel during the winter back to Israel. Jesus was born in the fall. They settled in a town called Nazareth. The verse (23) says that he shall be called a Nazarene. Several times in scripture Jesus is called "Jesus of Nazareth" Acts 22:8; Mark 16:6; Mark 1:24; John 19:19; Matthew 26:71. The Bible talks about the law of a Nazarite in Numbers 6:2, 8. A Nazarite was to separate himself unto the Lord all his days. This is exactly what Jesus did.