...For so it Is Written by the Prophet...

Following along this theme that we are seeing in the NT what had been foretold in the Old

We continue to use Matthew’s work to show how he overcame the resistance to the Jews of his day—as they saw how Jesus was truly the completion of the prophecy

…the Messiah had finally come

In this case, Mic. 5:2 is the obvious reference with a couple other related verses tossed in

Only Matthew records this series of events

We must, again, remember that he was writing this to a Jewish audience

History

Herod

He is first mentioned, and a major player

37-4 BC (some suggest as late as 1 BC)

Herod the great

Reigned over Palestine; a servant of Rome under Caesar Augustus

An illegitimate king, Idumean; certainly not a son of David—and the Jews harbored hatred/distrust

However…did great things in Jerusalem; built the temple to a splendor beyond Solomon’s temple; many other public works; an engineer; military strategist

In his latter years, a brutal tyrant

His insecurity at his position made him afraid of anyone recognized as “King of the Jews”

He connected the dots between the expected Messiah and this newborn King

He only understood kingship in one way—no concept of the Kingdom of God

Ultimately murdered (in house)

Wise Men

Likely from region of current Iraq and Iran; north of Babylon

NOTE: Babylon had been the recipient of the knowledge of the best and brightest of the Jewish people during the captivity; not hard to believe that some of that knowledge lingered

Likely astronomers/astrologers

Men of means, position and power

Had seen his star...

Heavenly signs were considered significant in the events of earth

…a new phenomenon would signal something happening or about to happen

...”in the east” when THEY were in the east or “when it rose”

Several remarkable astronomical events in that time—none actually line up with the timing of Jesus Birth

None really line up with v. 9

Came to worship this King (proskuneo—to bow down before) to give honor, assign value

Brought valuable gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh ( likely dried and ground)

…pound for pound all about the same in value (resins, interestingly, used in pagan worship)

Chief Priests and Scribes

The Ruling hierarchy among the Jews—pretty much co-opted, in Herod’s pocket; but they knew their prophetic works; answered correctly

Bethlehem was the place (house of bread)

Back-Story

Micah 5:2 ESV

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

Most scholars see a linkage between that and the shepherding mentioned in

2 Samuel 5:2 ESV

In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the Lord said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel.’ ”

The context of the Micah passage suggests a (then) present problem with a future deliverance

The nation was being then besieged by Babylon (Nebuchadnezzar capturing Zedekiah and tortured him)

Similarities between the striking on the cheek in v. 1

Beginning in 5:2, it is clearly speaking of the future event which is the birth of Christ

The man, Jesus, was born in Bethlehim of Ephratah, of the house of David

He was from old…from ancient days

…indeed, of old, the active force in creation

John 1:1–3 ESV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

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