Wise Men

Bethlehem

This is where Jacob had buried Rachel and built a monument for her. (NRSV)

7 For when I came from Paddan, Rachel, alas, died in the land of Canaan on the way, while there was still some distance to go to Ephrath; and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem).

2. It was here that Boaz married Ruth. (NRSV)

22 So Naomi returned together with Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, who came back with her from the country of Moab. They came to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.

3. But more importantly, this was the home of David, and it was called the City of David.

4. Micah, the prophet prophesied that this would be the birthplace of the coming Messiah. (NRSV)

The Ruler from Bethlehem

2 But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,

who are one of the little clans of Judah,

from you shall come forth for me

one who is to rule in Israel,

whose origin is from of old,

from ancient days.

Now Matthew gives us all this geographical information, perhaps to help us to understand the historical importance to this geographical location. Or, why this place, Bethlehem was chosen to be the birthplace of the Messiah.

The Wise Men, were Gentiles, this is a well accepted fact of the story. They were called wise men because they were considered experts of science and astronomy. In other words, they were paying attention to the stars.