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Explanation for:
Matthew
2
:
9
Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was.
12
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The star was hidden to compel the seekers to approach the Jewish leaders with their inquiries, ensuring the news spread widely. Upon asking about the child from those who opposed Him, the star reappeared. Observe the remarkable arrangement here! After departing from the Magi, the Jewish people, along with their king, welcomed them. They were guided by a prophet to clarify the extraordinary event, and subsequently, an angel provided further instruction, leading them from Jerusalem to Bethlehem via the star. This star guided them continuously, demonstrating that it was not an ordinary celestial body; no other star exhibits such qualities. It did not simply follow but led them as though holding their hands even during daylight. One might question the necessity of a star when the location was already known. Its purpose was to direct them specifically to the Child, as otherwise, He remained unrecognized; neither His dwelling nor His mother had renown. Thus, a star was essential to guide them precisely to that location. As they departed from Jerusalem, it appeared, halting only when they arrived at the manger. Here, one miracle follows another. Both occurrences are astonishing: the wise men bow down, and they are guided by the star; such events should stir even the hardest hearts. Had the wise men claimed to have learned of it through prophetic words or angelic announcements, their declarations might not have been doubted. Yet, the brilliance of the star descending from above silences the most audacious skeptics. When the star reached the Child, it once more came to a stop, further affirming that a greater force was at work than that of normal stars, as it concealed itself, manifested, and remained still. Consequently, the Magi were deeply reassured in their faith, rejoicing that they found what they sought and were made proclaimers of the truth, realizing their long journey was not in vain. Their love for Christ was immense! The star drew near and hovered directly over the Child’s head, revealing His divine lineage. When it halted, it did not bring ordinary Gentiles to worship, but the wisest among them. Clearly, the star did not appear without purpose. The wise men remained attentive even after hearing prophecies and explanations from the chief priests and scribes. Let Marcion feel shame; let Paul of Samosata feel shame for not recognizing what the wise men—foremost among the Church—witnessed. Let them be ashamed, for God is worshipped in flesh. Although the swaddling cloth and manger signify the incarnate One, He is not revered simply as a man; this is evident in the gifts offered to Him, suitable only for God alone. Let the Jews be ashamed alongside them, who, witnessing the wise men’s precedence, were unwilling even to follow. This event foreshadowed the future, signaling from the outset that the Gentiles would take the lead over the Jews. You might wonder why it says later, “Come, teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19). As previously noted, what happened then was a symbol and prophecy of things to come. The Jews were meant to come first; however, having spurned the invitation offered to them, events took a different turn. Likewise, the wise men should not have arrived before the Jews at His birth; those living far away should not have informed those residing close by; the uninformed ought not to outpace those steeped in prophecies. Nevertheless, since the Jews were wholly unaware of the blessings intended for them, the Persians preceded those in Jerusalem. Apostolic Paul states: “It was necessary that we should first speak the word of God to you; but since you reject it, we turn to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46). If the Jews had not initially believed, they should at least have acted on the wise men’s report; yet even this they refused. Thus, in their time of blindness, the wise men led the way. Let us too follow the example of the wise men, casting aside foreign customs, so we may journey to see Christ. Just as the wise men would not have discovered Him without leaving their homeland, we too must depart from earthly distractions. While in Persia, they observed one star; upon their departure, they beheld the Sun of righteousness. They would not have seen the star had they not eagerly left their land. So, let us rise; let all be astonished, as we make our way to the house of the Unborn. Let kings and nations attempt to obstruct us; let us not diminish our fervor. This is the sole path to avert looming peril; for even the Magi would have faced the wrath of the threatening king had they not encountered the Holy Child. Before seeing Him, anxiety surrounded the wise men at every turn; yet upon their worship of the Holy Child, they found peace and security. No longer did a star accompany them, but an angel, for in their worship they became like priests, offering gifts. So too, you must leave behind the Jewish people, the anxieties of the city, the merciless ruler, and worldly distractions, and hasten to Bethlehem, where the spiritual sustenance dwells. Are you a shepherd? Go there, and you shall witness the Child in the manger. Are you a king? If you neglect to go to the temple, your luxury is of no value. Are you wise? This will not hinder you from honoring and worshiping the Son of God, so long as you do not disregard Him. However, approach with reverence and joy, for both can coexist. Do not imitate Herod, who falsely claimed, “I will worship Him too” (Matthew 2:8); do not arrive with intentions of harm; those who partake of the sacred mysteries unworthily mirror him. Such individuals, as the Apostle declares, are guilty of disrespecting the body and blood of the Lord (1 Cor. 11:27). They serve the hidden greed within them, far worse than Herod, who despises the kingdom of Christ. In seeking to dominate others, they send mimics to outwardly honor Christ, yet inwardly conspire against Him. Let us avoid merely appearing as obedient worshippers while secretly being His foes. When we bow, let us relinquish all that holds us back. If we possess gold, let us present it to Him rather than hoard it. If those from afar honored Him with gifts, to whom shall we pay tribute if we deny Him who calls for our assistance? If they journeyed so far to see the One who was born, what excuse will you offer for not walking just one street to visit Him who suffers and is imprisoned? We offer compassion to our enemies in distress, yet we exhibit no pity for our Benefactor and Lord. They bring gold, while you scarcely provide bread. Those who witnessed the star rejoiced, yet you remain unmoved, gazing at Christ Himself, both unfamiliar and impoverished. But is there anyone here, even one blessed with countless favors, who would emulate such a journey undertaken by the wisest of the wise? What do I suggest? Such a journey? How many of our women are so pampered that they won't walk a block to see Christ in the spiritual manger unless carried on a mule? Some may choose to come to Christ, but many prefer household troubles or attending spectacles over gathering here. The foreigners, without having yet seen Christ, traversed extensive paths for His sake, while you—having seen Him—fail to imitate them, instead hurrying away from Him to enjoy trivial entertainment. What tumult and turmoil worthy of thunder and lightning such actions inspire!"},{"author-name":"Anonymous Commentary (Opus Imperfectum)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Look, the star they observed in the east guided them, leading to a realization of the King's greatness through its obedience. They wondered, \\"What kind of ruler on earth does the star serve?\\" It is no surprise that this divine star would attend to the rising Sun of truth. It moved ahead to illustrate that those who seek the Lord are accompanied by all of creation. If the star’s submission to Christ is remarkable, consider how much more significant are the elements that serve you, a created being. Indeed, the moon rises for you, traverses the sky, and continuously radiates light. If such elements serve you, finite human, what astonishment arises from the star’s guidance for those in pursuit of Christ? And if angels serve humanity, although they were not made to serve humanity but rather the Lord Himself, how extraordinary is it that the elements, made for the sake of humanity, also assist them? Such revelations should evoke both joy and trepidation because with great grace come even greater consequences for those who transgress. The star stood above the Child, as if to declare, \\"Here He is,\\" stopping to signify what words cannot express."},{"author-name":"Ambrose of Milan","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88871ceef8c96e0998cd0_Ambrose%20of%20Milan.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The wise men came bearing gifts from their treasures. Have you ever considered the significance of their actions? They observe a star that is not visible to Herod, yet this star reappears to guide them to Christ. Hence, the star symbolizes the path, and this path is Christ (see Jn. 14:6), for within the mystery of the incarnation, Christ is the star: “a star shall rise from Jacob, and a man shall rise from Israel” (Num. 24:17). Wherever Christ resides, there is a star, for He is the bright and morning star (Rev. 22:16). By His radiance, He directs attention to Himself."},{"author-name":"Isidore of Pelusium","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d94130e668938c9ae9d_Isidore%20of%20Pelusium.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The passage in Sacred Scripture regarding the star that states, ‘when it came to the top, it went forth as a child,’ vividly illustrates that this celestial body, the herald of the Divine incarnation, did not travel in the manner that typical stars do. Unlike the distant stars that remain high in the sky, which would make it difficult to locate the desired destination, this star had a unique and remarkable path. With its extraordinary journey, it pointed, almost like a guiding finger, toward the holy cave and the revered manger that held the Lord."},{"author-name":"Gregory the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88c2b032f5f6e5effaa54_Gregory%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":6,"exegesis-text":"In the interim, it is important to recognize that the Priscillianist heretics maintain that every individual is governed by the alignments of the stars. They point to the appearance of a new star at the incarnation of our Lord as proof of their misguided belief in fate tied to celestial bodies. Yet, if we consider the Gospel’s words, which speak of this same star: “Unto the day when they came to the top, where the young man was,” we see that it was not the star guiding the young man, but rather the appearance of the young man that gave significance to the star. Believers must distance their hearts from the notion of destiny as predetermined. Human life is overseen by the singular Creator who designed it. Humans are not destined for the stars; instead, the stars were created for humanity. If a star is deemed to dictate a person's fate, it could lead one to neglect their God-given responsibilities. \\n\\nFurthermore, it is noted that when Jacob was born, he grasped his brother's heel (Gen. 25:26), signifying that the firstborn could not emerge without the other following closely alongside. Even though both were born simultaneously, their life paths differed significantly. Astrologers often argue that a constellation’s influence varies with its position, but we assert that the timing of birth is exceedingly significant. Thus, if the constellations are altered, there would, in effect, need to be as many destinies as there are individuals born. \\n\\nAstrologers also tend to believe that those born under the sign of Aquarius are destined to be fishermen, yet in Getulia, for instance, there are no fishermen at all. Who, then, can claim that individuals cannot be born under Aquarius if there are absolutely no fishermen present? Similarly, it is suggested that those born under Libra will be bankers, but many regions lack any bankers. Therefore, they must acknowledge that this sign either does not apply to them or has no real influence on their fate.\\n\\nIn lands like Persia and among the Franks, kings inherit their thrones based on lineage. Who can accurately determine how many are born at the exact moments within various estates? Yet even among those born under the same celestial sign, some may ascend to royalty while others remain in bondage. This brief discussion regarding the star serves to highlight the irrational folly of the astrologers, ensuring we have not overlooked the absurdity of their assertions."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The star was momentarily obscured by divine design, prompting inquiries from the Jews and creating confusion for Herod, thereby allowing the truth to become more apparent. However, upon departing from Jerusalem, the star reappeared to guide them once more. This clearly indicates that the star was an instrument of divine will. It is truly remarkable: the star descended from the heavens and, drawing closer to the earth, revealed the location to them. Had it appeared from a distance, they would have struggled to discern the exact spot of Christ's birth. The stars illuminate vast expanses of sky, making it possible for one to see the moon above their home, yet each individual may believe it is solely above their own dwelling. In truth, many might think that the moon or another celestial body hovers exclusively over them. The star, however, would not have directed them to Christ had it not descended and seemingly positioned itself over the child's head."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"What was the reason for the star reappearing to them once they had already identified the location? It was to reveal the Child, for how could they possibly recognize Him, born in a humble setting and with an ordinary mother? Thus, it came to rest over the site of the Child, indicating that the One born was indeed the Divine."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"They listened to the king, unaware of his murderous intentions, and pledged to carry out his request, making their way to Bethlehem. However, God’s Providence had foreseen all eventualities. It was possible that the treacherous ruler might abruptly change his mind, growing impatient for the Magi's return, and unleash his malice upon Bethlehem while the Child, the Savior of the world, remained in that sacred town. There was no time to spare; it was essential to reward the patience of the Magi on their journey, and behold, their celestial guide appeared to them once more: And behold, the STAR WHICH THEY SAW IN THE EAST WENT BEFORE THEM. One can envision the joy of these holy travelers upon seeing their familiar heavenly beacon again, leading them directly as though taking them by the hand in broad daylight. Bethlehem is situated two hours south of Jerusalem, on a mountain adorned with lush gardens. They quickly located the newborn King. There was no need for inquiries; the guiding star now illuminated their path, resting above the exact location and indicating where the Divine Child lay. It likely descended to such a height that its rays made it easy to identify the spot where the Divine Child was present."},{"author-name":"Innocentius of Kherson","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d18072d36d1a976dd2c_Innocentius%20of%20Kherson.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"They followed the king's directive. The phrase \\"Having listened to the king\\" can be interpreted in the original Greek as meaning to both hear the message and accept the task, as the wise men had no reason to suspect Herod's ulterior motives towards the child in Bethlehem. While they were aware of Herod's brutality from Jewish accounts, his measured approach when discussing the Magi's inquiry with the Sanhedrin and his interactions with them did not lead them to hold any negative views. Herod appeared outwardly devout, yet one must ponder what truly occupied his heart and mind regarding the unfolding events. Understanding Herod's dark inner turmoil is not easy. There is much we can deduce about Herod’s state of mind; it seems likely that he doubted the Messiah's birth altogether. Although he may have perused the prophetic writings out of mere curiosity, he could dismiss the messianic predictions as mere fabrications born from various motivations. This sentiment finds support in the words of Josephus Flavius, a man of integrity who firmly believed in the soul’s eternal nature and fought against Roman oppression. Yet, Josephus himself claimed that the prophecies regarding the Messiah were fulfilled in the figures of Vespasian and Titus. Thus, Herod, who had only recently aligned himself with Judaism through his ancestors while surrounded by sycophants in court, might not have recognized the birth of the Divine Child. Instead, he possibly perceived the Child as remarkable but merely another human and not the awaited Messiah, the focal point of the people's political and spiritual hopes that could easily lead to fanaticism.\\n\\nConversely, it is perhaps excessive to think that Herod entirely disbelieved the prophecies concerning the Messiah. A close examination of Herod's thoughts and feelings reveals that while he was indeed a Jew, he adhered to the law of Moses and the prophets and seemed to anticipate the coming of the Messiah. Yet, what prompted him to contemplate the murder of the Messiah? Such an act would be to strive against the divine—a notion that Herod was not shy to entertain. Pharaoh viewed God merely as the deity of the Jews, a deity he believed was weaker than his own gods; he assumed that his idols would avenge themselves against the God of Israel, as indicated by his questions, ‘Who is the God of Israel, whom will I listen to?’ (Exodus 5:2). In contrast, Herod acknowledged the existence of one God and was not a polytheist. To reconcile this apparent contradiction, we might suggest that although Herod believed in the prophets and thus anticipated the Messiah, this anticipation was not in his favor. He could have rationalized that the Child was not the Messiah but rather a significant figure whom certain factions opposed to him might exploit. Indeed, prior to this, rumors had circulated that his kingdom would be taken from him and given to a descendant of the Maccabees.\\n\\nHow could he have remained indifferent to the extraordinary star noted by the wise men? It is conceivable that he regarded the Magi as potential conspirators. The Magi hailed from the east, where many Jews resided beyond the Euphrates River. Historical records by Josephus illustrate how Palestinian Jews, notorious for their feisty nature, muttered unfavorable rumors about Herod and perhaps even persuaded the Magi to spread misleading tales concerning the newly born king. Herod's disbelief could have obscured the significance of the star. The phenomena of the star and its observation fell within the realms of astrology, which Herod likely dismissed as mere superstition. Thus, it seems unlikely that he would have instigated open warfare against God or dared to eliminate the Messiah if he had been convinced of the divine nature of the Bethlehem Child. Similar disbelief may have characterized those who crucified Jesus Christ; they did not disbelieve outright, prompting the apostle to indicate that their actions were fueled by ignorance, affirming that ‘if they had known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.’ The apostle Peter remarked, ‘we know that in ignorance ... ye have done’ (Acts 3:17), addressing not the masses but the priests. While there are certainly those who openly rebel against God, reminiscent of Lucifer's rebellion, these cases are rare, and such a confrontation is often borne from fleeting impulses rather than sustained actions. \\n\\nSomeone might argue that the devil himself directly opposed God, paradoxically while possessing an inherent moral good. However, this captures the enigma of the angelic fall. Scripture discusses this unfolding, leading us to believe that the initial breach between God and humanity did not exist as it does in later narratives. A gradual progression must be assumed here. \\n\\nNow, let us consider the Magi. They saw a star that prompted their journey. While it seems they traveled by night, it is not beyond belief that they could have also witnessed the star during daylight. An ancient tradition even posits that the star was visible in the daytime. However, there is no need to assert this; they likely chose to travel at night as was customary for people of the East. When they arrived in Jerusalem, the star was no longer visible, but upon leaving the city, it reappeared. What was the purpose? Perhaps it was to guide them to the specific location where the newborn King lay. Given the size of Bethlehem, they could have found Him without the heavenly sign. Yet, the star indicated far more than just a location; it affirmed that the Child they sought was Divine. If they had encountered the Child without the guiding star, doubt may have crept in. Their time in Jerusalem, though affirming, lacked confirmation of their faith; no one there acknowledged their King’s birth. Now they were headed to a humble village, where one could easily feel disheartened and uncertain. At the culmination of their journey, however, the star appeared once more, resplendently guiding them, seemingly adapting to their needs better than before. The phrase ‘It went before them’ suggests it was positioned low enough for them to see. This remarkable star did not travel as stars typically do; it moved from north to south in defiance of natural laws. ‘Where the young child is’ signifies that the star descended, as had it remained high, it would have been above Bethlehem. Some early Church fathers theorize that its descent may have been represented through a beam of light shining directly upon the Child. These reflections offer insight into the Gospel accounts of Jesus Christ's earthly life prior to His public ministry for the salvation of humanity. This culminates in remembering the journey of the Magi and their worship of Christ."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"They heeded the king's words and departed, not being malicious themselves, they did not suspect any ill intent from him and appeared to trust his statements as genuine, without believing he harbored deceit or evil motives. The star they had observed in the east guided them: due to the scorching heat during the day, it was more common for noble figures to travel at night, setting off at dusk. As the wise men journeyed, following Herod's directions, they gazed at the evening sky and once again saw the star they recognized from their homeland. This indicates that the star did not lead them to Jerusalem directly but shone for them in the east, then vanished, only to reappear when they departed from Jerusalem. They would witness the star south of Jerusalem, toward Bethlehem. It then \\"stopped over the place\\" (ἐπα'νω) and likely disappeared afterward. But one may wonder why a star was needed when the location was already revealed? It was meant to signify the Child Himself; without it, identifying Him would have been impossible, for neither the dwelling was renowned nor was His mother celebrated and illustrious."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The wise men seemed to be convinced of Herod's feigned earnestness, as they set off for Bethlehem without hiding their intentions. Likely departing in the evening, they adhered to the common practice in hot regions like Palestine, avoiding travel during the day. As they left Jerusalem and gazed at the evening sky, they were met once again by the star that had shone upon them in their own land prior to their visit to Jerusalem. Thus, the star that had appeared in the east did not direct them to Jerusalem; they already understood that the King of the Jews, who was prophesied to be born soon, would arise in Judah, and therefore made their way directly to its capital. The star that guided the Magi initially faded from view during their journey, only to reappear as they departed Jerusalem towards Bethlehem. This aligns with Kepler's calculations regarding the notable conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, with the addition of Mars, occurring in 748 AUC, which corresponds to the birth year of Jesus Christ. Upon seeing the star anew, the Magi rejoiced, interpreting this celestial event as affirmation of the already fulfilled birth of the King of the Jews. Their joy, however, transformed into awe and wonder when they witnessed another miraculous star above the home that sheltered the Christ child in Bethlehem. \\n\\nThe Magi journeyed to Bethlehem because the Jewish scribes had directed them to this town as the birthplace of the King of the Jews, eliminating the need for additional guidance to reach the city, just nine to ten versts from Jerusalem, especially since the route traversed a deep valley. Nevertheless, they required specific direction to identify the exact house in Bethlehem where the Christ Child lay. The Gospel account does not suggest that the Magi inquired with any local residents to clarify where the King of the Jews had been born, and clearly, the people of Bethlehem would not have known how to answer such a question. Thus, lacking divine guidance, the Magi were at an impasse until a miracle occurred: a star appeared over the house where the Child was located. Had the star simply halted at a high, unreachable position in the sky, the Magi would have been unable to ascertain which house, city, or even region it illuminated. Therefore, it must be recognized that the star must have hovered directly above the house itself, offering unmistakable evidence of the location. This star, resting upon the very rooftop, was certainly not a commonplace celestial body nor solely the conjunction of Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars seen during their venture from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, but a miraculous sign unto them."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Unaware of the king's murderous plot, the Magi began their journey, and filled with immense joy, they observed the star they had encountered in the east reemerging before them, guiding them to the location of the newborn Savior."}]}
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