Then on April 17 in the year 6 BC, the moon eclipsed Jupiter during the time it
was in the constellation of Aries. This eclipse could also have been the sign they
were looking for that heralded the birth of the prophesied king of kings!
Whether it was one of these signs, or another, itís obvious that there was a
signal in the heavens that announced the birth of the Savior to these ancient
astrologers.
ìThe heavens declare the glory of GodÖî Psalms 19:1
ìAnd the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we
beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,)
full of grace and truth.î John 1:14
The Word of God states that wise men came to King Herod seeking the new
King that is born ñ not that will be born.
ìSaying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have
seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.î
Matthew 2:2
The Bible never gives the number that came and inquired of King Herod.
However, this was obviously not a small band. When the Israelites were freed
from their Babylonian rulersí centuries before the birth of Christ, many remained
as merchants. Trade routes were established from Babylon to Israel, a distance of
approximately 750 miles. These roads were filled with thieves and hostile tribal
bands. For three men to travel this distance, bringing such precious commodities
as gold, frankincense and myrrh would have been very foolish not wise! The
arrival of these men caused a stir throughout all of Jerusalem, the largest city in
Israel.
ìWhen Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.î Matthew 2:3
The thought of losing his kingdom to another did not sit well with Herod. With
this in mind he also wanted to know where this new King was born.