Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 2:10
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Joy is but the natural consequence of desire satisfied: they had in their own country seen an extraordinary star, which, according to the rules of their own art, they might guess to be an indication of a great Prince born, or, by a Divine revelation, they might know to be so. This kindled in them a strong desire to go and pay a homage to him; upon this they take a long journey to Jerusalem. When they come there they were more fully confirmed, from the answer of the priests and scribes, that there was a Christ to be born in Bethlehem Judah. Thither they go. In their journey the same star they had before seen appears to them again, confirming both their former apprehensions, and, by its standing over Bethlehem, and a particular house in it, (to their apprehensions), they were fully confirmed that they had right instructions from Herod, and rejoiced in the satisfaction of their desires naturally, and possibly rejoiced spiritually in this matter of joy to all people, if they had (as is probable) a spiritual illumination, and believed that this Christ was also Jesus, one come to save both Jews and Gentiles from their sins.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
10. When they saw the star, theyrejoiced with exceeding great joyThe language is very strong,expressing exuberant transport.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
When they saw the star,…. Which by its appearance, size, brightness, c. they knew to be the same with that which they had seen, when in their own country
they rejoiced with exceeding great joy; a “pleonasm” or a redundancy of expression frequently used by the Hebrews, see Joh 4:6 and the Septuagint there; setting forth the rapture, the excess of joy they were in upon the sight of the star. Very probably before this, their hearts were sad, their countenances dejected, and they greatly discouraged, having taken so great a journey, and as yet to so little purpose. They had been at Jerusalem, where they expected to have found him that was born king of the Jews; they had been at court, and conversed with men of the greatest figure and intelligence, and could get no tidings of him; people of all ranks and degrees seemed to be troubled at the account they brought; no body cared to go along with them to Bethlehem: all these circumstances no doubt were discouraging to them; but as soon as they saw the star their spirits revived, joy filled their hearts, cheerfulness appeared in their countenances; and they pursued their journey with inexpressible delight, till they came to the place where the illustrious person was they were seeking after.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
They rejoiced with exceeding great joy ( ). Second aorist passive indicative with cognate accusative. Their joy was due to the success of the search.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
1) “When they saw the star,” (idontes de ton astera) “Then upon beholding the star,” or as they beheld the star, which they had seen in the east, a star that had left their view for a time. Though the way to Jesus may seem long, t hose who seek Him honestly shall find Him, Jer 29:13.
2) “They rejoiced,” (echaresan) “They rejoiced,” expressed joy that was in their souls, much as the old Saints, Simeon and Anna, had rejoiced at the time of our Lord’s circumcision at eight days of age in the temple, Luk 2:25-38.
3) “With exceeding great joy.” (charan megalen sphroda) “With a great degree of joy, exceedingly,” or exuberantly. 0 that all who see Him would “rejoice in the Lord always,” Php_4:4; 1Th 5:16.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
10. When they saw the star Implying that it had before been unseen. Rejoiced with exceeding great joy The strong terms show how great was the rapture at recovering sight of the lost star.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.’
The sight of the star filled them with great joy. It vindicated the activities of the past few months, justified their journey, and indicated that they would shortly see this great prince for themselves. No wonder then that they were filled with joy. However, it might well be that Matthew wants us to see in it the joy of the believer (Mat 13:44; Mat 25:21; Mat 28:8). His Gospel thus begins with joy and ends with joy (Mat 28:8), both at the anticipated thought of Jesus.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
The effect of its appearance upon the Magi;
v. 10. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. They were overjoyed. Their long journey was successful. their arduous quest was ended. The most intense gladness, a fairly ecstatic delight, took possession of them, as the evangelist expresses it. At once they carried out the purpose of their journey:
v. 11.. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary, His mother, and. fell down, and worshiped Him. So vivid is Matthew’s description that the words fairly gush forth in a joyful stream. The Magi saw with their own eyes Him whom they had longed to behold, the Child, the Messiah, the promised Star of Judah. His mother Mary and His foster-father, who is intentionally omitted, had now found shelter in one of the houses of the village. The Magi worshiped the Child after the Oriental fashion of falling down on the knees and touching the forehead to the earth. in complete surrender.
v. 11.. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. With full hands they come, as befits such as would enter into the presence of royalty. They open their treasure-chests; they bring forth gold, the most precious metal, frankincense and myrrh, costly aromatic gums distilled from trees, much used in religious ceremonies, Psa 72:10; Is, 60:6. Whether there is any special significance, a mystical meaning, in the gifts, is an idle speculation which has engaged many commentators. It was commonly stated: Gold, as to the King; incense, as to God; myrrh, as to one destined to die; or, as a medieval rhyme has it: “The first was gold, as most mighty King; the second was myrrh. as Priest of priests being; the third was incense in tokening of burying. ” Luther’s explanation is simple: “Although they [the Magi] enter a poor house, find a poor young woman, with a poor child, and also there is an appearance so unlike a king that their servant is more honorable and reputable, yet they are not troubled, but in great, strong, full faith they put everything out of their eyes and mind which nature with its arrogance might adduce and bring into play; they simply follow the verse of the prophet and the testimony of the star and believe Him to be King, fall down, worship Him, and give presents to Him.”
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
Mat 2:10. When they saw the star Dr. Doddridge reads a star or meteor; because, says he, no star could point out not only a town, but a particular house. The original, in the conclusion of this verse, is remarkably emphatical, They rejoiced with a joy which was exceeding great.
Mat 2:11. And fell down and worshipped him Prostrating themselves they adored him. Heylin. The original word for treasures signifies not only a collection of rarities and precious things, but also whatever serves to hold them. Here it signifies the vessels or boxes wherein these sages had put the presents they designed for the King of the Jews. It was the custom of their country to offer presents to the illustrious personages whom they came to visit, as appears from many passages of the Old Testament; (see Gen 11:25. 1Sa 9:7-8; 1Sa 10:27. Psa 72:10 and Pro 18:16.) and Maundrell, Chardin, and many other writers of the best credit, assure us, that the custom is yet retained. We cannot help noting how seasonable and providential an assistance this was to furnish Joseph and Mary for so long and expensivea journey as that into Egypt; a country where they were intirely strangers, and yet were to abide there for some considerable time. Several commentators have observed a significancy and propriety in these gifts; which, whether true or not, is at least ingenious. They offered him, say they, gold as a king, paying him tribute; frankincense as a god, for they honoured God with the smoke of incense; and myrrh, as a man who should die; for myrrh was used in embalming dead bodies. See Doddridge, Beausobre and Lenfant, and Henry.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Mat 2:10 . ] Euth. Zigabenus correctly says: , .
] Adverbs at the end; comp. Mat 4:8 ; Schaefer, ad Demosth . V. p. 367; Bornemann, ad Xen. Anab . ii. 6. 9; Mem . iii. 5. 17.
. .] “Etenim ubi nomen per se ipsum verbi significationem neque circumscribit neque intendit, adminiculo opus est vel adjectivi vel pronominis vel articuli, quo rerum genus certum designatur,” Lobeck, Paralip . p. 507. Therefore here . Comp. Mar 5:42 b ; Wilke, neutestam. Rhetor . p. 380. The opposite, , Joh 4:11 ; , Mar 4:41 .
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
DISCOURSE: 1280
THE JOY OF THE MAGI
Mat 2:10. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
IN so concise a history as that of our blessed Lord, the events of whose life and death were so numerous, that, if circumstantially related, they would occupy too many volumes to be read by the world at large, it must of necessity be found, that there is much omitted which we should have been glad to know. But the Scriptures were not written to gratify a vain curiosity: the inspired writers had a far higher object in view: they were content to record so much only as was necessary for our instruction, and to give us such brief hints as would set before our eyes one continuous and comprehensive whole. In the account of the wise men, who came from the East to worship the new-born Jesus, there is much left to mere conjecture. We know not who they were, nor whence they came, except that it was to the eastward of Juda; nor how long it was after the birth of Christ; whether a few weeks, or several months. What the star was, we know not. It could not be a common star; but only a meteor, resembling one. How they came to regard it as intimating the birth of any one, and especially of one who should be the King of the Jews, we know not. It is probable that they were astronomers; and that, seeing this new star over the land of Juda, they concluded it to be ominous of some great event: and, having heard of the general report, that there was expected to arise, about that time, in Juda, one who should govern the whole earth, they might suppose the star to be an indication of his birth. Yet, on the whole, I think it more probable, that the same Almighty and gracious God, who sent this star to guide them to Juda, revealed to them the occasion of its appearance, and the wonderful event of which they themselves were to be the favoured witnesses. The inquiry which they make on reaching Jerusalem seems indeed to place this matter beyond a doubt: for they do not ask whether some great personage were born: they express no doubt whatever respecting the fact; but only inquire where the new-born infant was; Where is he that is born King of the Jews?; for we have seen his star, and are come to worship him. The Jews themselves, it seems, were unconscious of any remarkable occurrence, till the confident inquiry of these strangers drew their attention to it: and then both Herod the king, and all the people at Jerusalem, were filled with consternation. Herod, a remarkably jealous prince, summoned the chiefs of the Jewish nation, that he might learn from them where their Messiah, according to the Scriptures, should be born. They, from a well-known prophecy, informed him, that Bethlehem was the highly-favoured city for which this honour was reserved: and he, on receiving this information, directed the Magi thither, with an express command, that, when they should have found him, they would come back to him, and communicate all that they should have learned respecting him. Thither the Magi now directed their steps. But no sooner had they re-commenced their journey, than the star, which they had seen in the East, and which had for some time disappeared, came again; and guided them, not to the city only, but to the house where Jesus was; thus pointing out, with infallible precision, the very child whom they desired to find. On this occasion it is said, When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. Now, the terms in which their joy is here spoken of are so strong, as to be incapable of being translated literally into our language. Their general import, however, is sufficiently conveyed in the words before us: They rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
In speaking of this their joy, we shall find it profitable to inquire, What it indicated in relation to them.
From this interesting portion of divine history we may learn,
I.
The magnitude of the object which they pursued
They sought to behold and to honour the new-born King. This was an object worthy of pursuit:
As viewed by them, it was of great moment
[Supposing them only to conceive of him as born to a kingdom, yet, taking into consideration the miracle with which his birth was announced, and the prophetic declarations relative to the place of his birth, they might well regard him as worthy to be served and honoured. And in proportion as we suppose their views of his character and office to have been enlarged, the importance of their object must, of course, have been magnified in their minds.]
With the additional light which we enjoy, it was an object the most important that any creature could pursue
[We know that infant to have been Emmanuel, God with us. Yes, he was God manifest in human flesh: and not a king of one nation only, but of the whole earth, even King of kings, and Lord of lords.
To behold him in this his humbled state; to worship him, and glorify him; what could the highest archangel desire more? This was an object worthy of ambition to every child of man: nor could any labour, any privation, any suffering, be too great to be encountered willingly, and sustained cheerfully, in the pursuit of it.]
In their labours, we behold also,
II.
The ardour of mind with which it should be pursued
Their journey, whether from Arabia or any other country, was long and arduous
[Their setting out from their own country, and prosecuting their journey to Juda, argued no little zeal: but to persevere when the star had disappeared, and when so much difficulty and uncertainty must, in all probability, attend their future exertions, required a zeal more than ordinarily intense and ardent: and we admire their steady perseverance in so great a work.]
What, then, should ever damp our ardour in the service of our Lord?
[Methinks, this is a labour in which our whole lives should be occupied. We need not, indeed, leave our homes in order to behold his face, since he is here in the midst of us: but we must be ready to part with all, if called to it: and, whatever difficulties may obstruct our way, we should determine, with Gods help, to surmount them all Nor should we take with us a portion only of our property; but go and offer to him all that we are, and all that we have. Our whole selves, body, soul, and spirit, must be consecrated to his service, that he may be glorified in all ]
In them we may yet further see,
III.
The blessedness that shall crown our labours
They rejoiced with exceeding great joy
[They, even before they had fully attained their object, rejoiced: what joy, then, must have filled their souls, when they were introduced into the very presence of this infant, and had the honour of presenting to him their gifts of gold, and frankincense and myrrh!]
But the believers joy at finding the Saviour, is incomparably more exalted
[It is truly said to be a joy unspeakable and glorified. O how richly are the labours of a whole life repaid by one glimpse of the Saviours glory! And what prospects does it open to him in the eternal world! Truly, no languagecan express the joy that he feels, nor any heart conceive the blessedness that awaits him ]
Address
1.
The nominal Christian
[Though not truly interested in the Saviour, you are highly privileged: because you have an infinitely better guide than ever the Magi had, even the word of God, which will he a light to your feet, and a lantern to your paths; and will infallibly, if duly followed, lead you to the Saviours presence. Improve, then, your privileges; and let them remind you of your obligations also: for if your light be more clear than theirs, so should your surrender of yourselves to Christ be more entire.]
2.
The inquiring Christian
[You, like the Magi, may feel discouragement in your journey heavenward; and, through the withdrawment of light from your soul, be ready to doubt whether you shall ever attain the object of your desires. But hold on, in the midst of all discouragements; and doubt not but that your labour shall be crowned with success at last: for Gods promise to you is, Then shall ye know, if ye follow on to know the Lord. His goings forth are prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto you as the rain, as the former and as the latter rain upon the earth [Note: Hos 6:3.].]
3.
The assured Christian
[You have found the Saviour, and presented yourselves to him. Now, then, shew yourselves worthy of this high privilege. A sad indifference exists in relation to him, even amongst those who from their office and their general information ought to be most forward in calling the attention of others to him. And, from the reports which we have of his reception in heathen lands, even amongst the most barbarous Africans and Hottentots, we may all blush for our coldness and ingratitude. However, if you have been led to the Saviour, take care to honour him in the midst of an ungodly world, and labour to make him known to all around you.]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Ver. 10. When they saw the star ] The sight whereof they seem to have lost when they turned out of the way; it led them to Jerusalem. But this text is excellently paraphrased and applied by Bishop Hooper, martyr, in a letter of his, written to one Mrs Anne Warcup, in these words (Acts and Mon.): “Such as travelled to find Christ followed only the star, and as long as they saw it, they were assured they were in the right way, and had great mirth in their journey. But when they entered into Jerusalem (whereas the star led them not thither, but unto Bethlehem) and there asked the citizens the thing that the star showed before; as long as they tarried in Jerusalem, and would be instructed where Christ was born, they were not only ignorant of Bethlehem, but also lost the sight of the star that led them before. Whereof we learn in any case, while we are going to seek Christ which is above, to beware we lose not the star of God’s word, that only is the mark that shows us where Christ is, and which way we may come unto him. But as Jerusalem stood in the way, and was an impediment to these wise men; so doth the synagogue of Antichrist (that bears the name of Jerusalem, that is, the vision of peace, and among the people now is called the Catholic Church) stand in the way that pilgrims must go by through this world to Bethlehem, the house of saturity and plentifulness, and is an impediment to all Christian travellers; yea, and except the more grace of God be, will keep the pilgrims still in her, that they shall not come where Christ is adored. And to stay them indeed, they take away the star of light, viz. the word of God, that it cannot be seen, as you may read that other star was hidden from the wise men while they asked of the Pharisees at Jerusalem where Christ was born. You may see what great dangers happened to these wise men while they were a learning of liars, where was Christ; first they were out of their way, and next they lost their guide,” &c.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Mat 2:10 , : seeing the star standing over the sacred spot, they were overjoyed. Their quest was at an end; they had at last reached the goal of their long journey. , a favourite word of our evangelist, and here very appropriate after to express exuberant gladness, ecstatic delight. On the convoy of the star, Fritzsche remarks: “Fuit certe stellae pompa tam gravi tempore digna”. Some connect the seeing of the star in Mat 2:10 with the beginning of the journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. They rejoiced, says Euthy. Zig. .
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
saw the star. Supply the Ellipsis from Mat 2:9 (App-6) = “having seen the star [standing over where the young child was], they rejoiced”, &c.
rejoiced with . . . joy. Figure of speech Polyptoton (App-6), for emphasis.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Mat 2:10. , …, when they saw) It must have been night.- , the star) Both Scripture and the star show them the time and the place: Scripture, indeed, indicates the time with some latitude, in accordance with the general way in which the expectation of the Messiahs coming then universally prevailed.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
they rejoiced: Deu 32:13, Psa 67:4, Psa 105:3, Luk 2:10, Luk 2:20, Act 13:46-48, Rom 15:9-13
Reciprocal: Mat 2:2 – worship
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
STARS AS TYPES
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Mat 2:10
A great many theories have been advanced to account for the appearance of the star, but what God tells us in the Bible is all that we need to know.
I. The leading of the star.The star led the Wise Men to Jesus Christ, and so, too, may we be led to Him in some such way. Astronomy is a very fascinating study in itself, and it can hardly fail to make us realise something of the vastness of God. The distances from our earth to some of these stars are known to be inconceivably great. The light from the nearest star outside the system of our own sun and the planets is known to take some four years to reach our earth, and light can travel a distance of eight times round the world in a second. Surely facts like these may do something to lead us to know Gods infinite greatness and our own insignificance.
II. Stars as types.The star was the sign that led the Wise Men to seek Jesus, and we may think too of the stars as types of some of those lights, as it were, in the darkness that may guide us if we will to His feet.
(a) Christian friendship shining like a beacon light in the darkness is often the star that has led to Christ. The Wise Men on their journey were a comfort one to another. Each one wanted to find Christ, each one had gifts to offer to Him, and so they cheered each other on their way.
(b) The quiet influence of some friends may have been very precious to us. A quiet, steady, gentle light shone from them as if from a star that told of powers hidden away that were the strength and force of their character. Their lives were to us an open Bible that told us of Gods laws. They were those whom we really loved and trusted. Let us take care that our own star is shining, that our lamps are alight to show others the way.
(c) The circumstances of life may be stars that lead us to the Lord Jesus Christ. The Wise Men left country, home, all that was dear to them. There were dangers and hardships on the road for them to bear, but when they found the child cradled in a manger stall, and had faith enough to see Gods plans through it all, they worshipped Christ and offered Him their gifts. Others besides the Wise Men have been led by hardship and disappointment to find joy and peace in Christ. Welcome whatever God may see fit to send. Let us look, then, for the stars that lead to Christ, and follow whither they lead. We give the incense of prayer, the gold of loyal obedience, and the myrrh of thanksgiving. There is still in Christ a welcome for all who turn to Him.
Illustration
It has been calculated that a conjunction (i.e. an apparent near approach) of Saturn and Jupiter occurred in b.c. 6, and some have thought to account in this way for the star seen by the Magi. But no planet could have gone before them, to the very spot; and if the narrative is to be taken literally, the meteor must have been sent miraculously. Alford makes out a strong case in favour of the natural conjunction being referred to, but Pritchard (in Smiths Dictionary of the Bible) seems clearly to disprove it. The Magi may have connected the appearance of the star at that particular time with the birth of the Messiah, through knowing Daniels prophecy, uttered in Chaldea, Dan 9:24-26, or from a tradition of Balaams words (himself from the East), Num 24:17; or (through the Jews resident in Persia and Babylonia) from the Messianic predictions generally. Some curious prophecies in the sacred books of Persia, the Zend-Avesta, are also mentioned by Bp. Ellicott (Huls. Lect., pp. 72, 77, notes). But a special revelation was probably given them, as afterwards (Mat 2:12). We are not to suppose that the star shone all the time. When they saw it, they went to Jerusalem as the natural place to find the King of the Jews. Then, on their starting for Bethlehem, the star re-appeared.
(SECOND OUTLINE)
GODS DEALINGS WITH MEN
Whoever these wise men known as the Magi were, they certainly were afar off,a long way from Christwhen the first impulse to go to Him awoke in their hearts. They were found and drawn in the line of their own special vocation. These Magi were doubtless astronomers, and it was therefore very fitting,and very like Gods method,that they were led by a star. From which fact take two lessons: Be in your proper duty, and you could not be more advantageously placed for all good and holy things. Do not change old things for new, as put new affections into old works: and then expect the blessing.
I. What is the star?It is not, of course, Christ, though sometimes Christ is called The Bright and Morning Star. But it must shadow out something which leads us to Christ, as that star conducted the Magi to Bethlehem. What is it?
(a) An aspiration, a fine aspiration of the soul, is always a star. Who has not felt it? Never trifle with an aspiration!
(b) A conviction,a strong conviction in the mind,is a star. It may be a conviction of sin: it may be a conviction of some new truth: it may be a conviction of the need and value of Christ. Those convictions are direct emanations from God.
(c) A scriptural thought is a star in the soul. It may come in a book; it may come in a sermon; it may come from a friends lips; it may come in no apparent channel at all. Receive it. Use it. And it will flood into greater and greater light. It will make and mark a path,a path to heaven!
(d) A pious thought that darts into the mind may bring a gleam of light. Go with it: go with it all the way; and it will land you in glory!
II. The final resting-place of the star was the Lord Jesus Christ,the centre of light,the fountain of truth,the hearts home,the goal of life,the cradle of our eternity. Do not let any seeker in the school of knowledge,do not let any real enquirer,do not let any traveller truth-wards,think that his journey is done, and his quest finished, till he has found the answer to the question of his mind,the solution of the problem of life,the quiet refuge from himself, from his sins, and his sorrows, and the world,in Jesus only!
The Rev. James Vaughan.
Illustration
When Leonardo da Vinci had finished his celebrated picture of the Last Supper, he introduced a friend to inspect the work privately, and give his judgment regarding it. Exquisite! exclaimed his friend; that wine-cup seems to stand out from the table as solid glittering. silver. Thereupon the artist quietly took a brush and blotted out the cup, saying: I meant that the Figure of Christ should first and mainly attract the observers eye, and whatever diverts attention from Him must be blotted out.
Fuente: Church Pulpit Commentary
2:10
Verse 10. Having been led from their home country by the star, the confidence of the wise men had already been pretty well established. now that it reappeared just at the time they were starting on the final lap of their journey, their confidence was made stronger and hence they had great rejoicing.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Mat 2:10. When they saw the star. This shows that for some time, at least, they had not seen it.
They rejoiced with exceeding great joy. Literally, rejoiced a great joy exceedingly. The reappearance of the star indicated to them their success and the truth of their calculations. The joy, however, was not at the standing of the star, but at its appearing again, hence miraculous guidance is not necessarily implied.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Mat 2:10-11. When they saw the star Thus standing over where the child was, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy The original expression, , is remarkably emphatical, and might be rendered, They joyed a great joy, very much, a translation which, though very bad English, as Dr. Doddridge observes, comes near to a literal version. They thus rejoiced because they were now confirmed in the certainty of the childs being born, and also because they saw themselves in so remarkable a manner under the divine direction, and conducted with such certainty to the glorious person whom they came to seek. And when they were come into the house Mary, it seems, was now better accommodated than at the time of her delivery: she was now in a house, (though probably a poor one,) and not in a stable. Some think that Joseph had now changed the place of his abode, and taken up his residence at Bethlehem, but this is not clear from the story. They saw the young child with Mary his mother And how different soever the condition in which they found them might be from what they had expected, they were not offended at its meanness, but, falling down on their faces before him, they worshipped him That is, they did him honour after the manner of the East, whose inhabitants were wont to prostrate themselves before their kings. They wisely considered, that such miraculous honours as the star gave him were far beyond any external circumstance, and therefore paid him, though a child in a poor cottage, without attendants, or any mark of royal descent, their homage, as readily as if they had found him in the most splendid palace, surrounded with servants and guards. An amiable example this, of that humble, ingenuous temper, which fits a man for the reception of the gospel! And when they had opened their treasures Which they had brought along with them for this purpose, they presented to him gifts It was customary in those countries for persons to offer some present to any illustrious personage whom they came to visit, as appears from many passages of the Old Testament; and Maundrell, Chardin, and many other modern writers of the best credit assure us, that the custom is yet retained, and that no person of rank is approached without a present. In this instance the gifts, consisting of the most valuable productions of their country, constituted a present very proper to the occasion. Perhaps this was all that these wise men intended by their offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh; and that there is no need to have recourse to allegory. Nevertheless, if we will have it, says Grotius,
that the Divine Wisdom intended something mysterious here, it would not displease me to hear it intimated, that those three things, which we now offer to God through Christ, in consequence of the abolition of the ancient sacrifices, may be signified by these gifts, viz., works of mercy, Php 4:18; bodily purity, Rom 12:1; and prayers, Psa 141:2; Rev 5:8. The two texts last quoted manifestly show that prayers may be signified by frankincense; gold is, as it were, the common measure of the good things of this life, wherewith we relieve the wants of others. And, as we learn from Pliny, and St. Joh 19:39, there is hardly any other use of myrrh than to preserve bodies from corruption. But if we may believe the ancient fathers, the wise men, by these gifts which they offered, showed who he was that was worshipped by them; offering myrrh, says Irenus, because he was to die for mankind; gold, because he was a king, whose kingdom should have no end; thus, as it were, paying him tribute; and frankincense, because he was God, and God was wont to be honoured with the smoke of incense. To the same purpose speak Tertullian and Origen. Perhaps, however, there is more of fancy than truth in this doctrine. Be this as it may, we cannot but acknowledge the providence of God in sending the holy family such a seasonable supply in their low circumstances, especially as they were to take so long and expensive a journey as that into Egypt; a country where they were entirely strangers, and were to stay for a considerable time.