We Three Kings - Who Were The Visitors And Where Were They From?
Matthew says they came “from the east” which point us precisely to Babylon and Persia—lands deeply connected to Israel’s history.
We Three Kings - Who Were The Visitors And Where Were They From?
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem…”
— Matthew 2:1
Scripture never mentions visiting kings. Rather, the Bible introduces us to magi from the east.
The word magi referred to a learned class of men in the ancient Near East—scholars, astrologers, and court advisors, connected to the royal courts of Babylon and Persia. The magi were known for studying the stars, interpreting dreams and preserving ancient writings.
These were not fairy-tale monarchs wearing crowns. They were elite intellectuals of influence who advised rulers and shaped policy.
Matthew says they came “from the east” which point us precisely to Babylon and Persia—lands deeply connected to Israel’s history. In fact, they are specifically mentioned in Daniel 2.
So, the crazy question that begs to be asked is this: “What are Babylonian and Persian astrologers doing at the doorstep of Joseph and Mary in a little town near Jerusalem?”
Obviously, they have followed the star and have come to worship this great King that has been born. But that’s still not quite the point.
Where are the other people? Why didn’t anyone else come?
Herod’s residence was just a couple miles away. Where was he? Where were his advisors? Where were the people and the priests?
Why didn’t they know what was happening?
The story of the magi is yhere to teach us this: God rewards those who seek Him. God’s people weren’t doing that. They were completely oblivious to what was happening right in their midst.
God reveals His Son to those who seek Truth. Worship is not about proximity, but pursuit. Time after time, in the Bible, Christ draws the unlikely, the unexpected, and even the outsider.
The magi were Truth-seekers. They traveled far, followed God’s leading, asked questions and bowed before a Child. And in doing so, they fulfilled Isaiah’s words:
“But the LORD will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light...”
— Isaiah 60:2-3a
