We Three Kings - How Many Were There?
This enormous caravan rolling into Jerusalem wasn’t just impressive—it was also providential. God was orchestrating every step.
We Three Kings - How Many Were There?
Although the Bible never says that there were three visitors, it DOES mention three gifts. But that’s not how many visitors came.
Historical and cultural context gives us a much clearer picture of that number. While we don’t have a headcount, we can make a highly informed estimate based on:
• Persian and Babylonian court protocols
• Caravan sizes for long-distance travel
• The distance from the East to Judea
• The value of the gifts
• The attention they drew from Herod and all Jerusalem
Eastern nobles never traveled alone. They traveled with bodyguards, animal handlers, servants, interpreters, scribes and supplies for the journey. A security detail, cooks, attendants, companions and food and water carriers—plus the gifts they were bringing—would have been quite a contingent. A common caravan of Royal scholars/astrologers would normally include 3-12 magi plustheir entourage. If we include all of these, the caravan would have probably been about 50-100 people with 20-30 animals.
THAT’s why Herod was so concerned. Why would he worry about 3 lone star-gazers showing up at his palace? Here’s what the Bible says about their arrival:
Matthew 2:3
“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.”
The Magi almost certainly arrived not as three lone travelers, but as a small diplomatic expedition—a caravan large enough to attract attention, signify royalty, and travel safely across a dangerous region.
This enormous caravan rolling into Jerusalem wasn’t just impressive—it was also providential. God was orchestrating every step, guiding Gentile seekers to the Savior, fulfilling prophecy, and announcing to the world that The King has arrived.
And just as He guided the Magi, He still guides those who seek Him today.
• Some come from spiritual deserts.
• Some carry burdens instead of treasures.
• Some come limping, not riding.
Yet each one who comes finds the same thing the Magi found—A humble King willing to receive them.
Tomorrow: How did they know about the King and His Star?
