The Wise men Matt. 2:1-12

2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” 9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

They were considered magicians - “Wise man” and priest, who was expert in astrology, interpretation of dreams and various other occult arts.” (vs 1)

Acts 13 to name a Jewish false prophet, the same word was used in this case as well

How many were there? 3 truly we do not know we say three for the number of gifts that were given to Jesus, may have only been two could have been 20 we just truly do not know the Bible does not tell us.

Gold (gift for a king)

Frankinscents (incense used in worship)

Myrrh (perfume for embalming bodies)

They came from the “East” (vs 2) maybe Babylon and could have been trained or possibly descendants of Daniel, they knew of the star and what it meant which means they were waiting and watching for the signs of the Messiah

They were the first gentiles to worship the King (vs 11)

God spoke to them in a dream - “told not to go back to Herod,” and they listened (vs 12)