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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 2:1-12

The happy misnomer of the Wise Men of the East. Once on a time our Saviour warned persons of far inferior privilege to our own that men would come from the east, and west, and north, and south, who should rise up in the judgment against them. The present passage of sacred history tells us most emphatically how men from the East did arrive very early, to upbraid, not in word, but with all the force of deed, though without any direct intention of doing so, those among whom, unexpected,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 2:1-23

Of these naturally the first is the most important, and it may indeed be that the chief object of the evangelist was to show that Jesus satisfied the conditions of prophecy with respect to his birth. He was only driven from Bethlehem to Egypt and subsequently to Nazareth by the jealousy of the ruler of the Jews. While, however, the fulfilment of prophecy by Jesus the Christ was doubtless the most prominent thought in the evangelist's mind, the typical character of the treatment received... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 2:1-23

Childhood of Jesus. I. HEROD AND JESUS . The king and the Babe; earthly might and spiritual power. This contrast comes continually in view throughout the life of Christ, but never more strikingly than here. Depict the apparent helplessness of the young Child when confronted with the relentless and crafty hostility of Herod. The restless, suspicious jealousy of the old king, and the guileless, unconscious innocence of the Child. The selfish cruelty of the despot, and his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 2:9

When they had heard the king . There is a slight contrast in the Greek, but they [ for their part ] having heard the King. They departed ; went their way (Revised Version). Took their journey ( ἐπορεύθησαν ) And lo, the star, which they saw in the East . They would, in accordance with Eastern custom, probably travel by night. Observe that the joy they felt at seeing the star ( Matthew 2:10 ) implies that it had not continued visible ( Matthew 2:7 , note). They had fully... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 2:9-10

The star ... went before them - From this it appears that the star was a luminous meteor, perhaps at no great distance from the ground. It is not unlikely that they lost sight of it after they had commenced their journey from the East. It is probable that it appeared to them first in the direction of Jerusalem. They concluded that the expected King had been born, and immediately commenced their journey to Jerusalem. When they arrived there, it was important that they should be directed to the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 2:9

Matthew 2:9. When they had heard the king, they departed Viz., from Jerusalem, without the least suspicion, it seems, of his treacherous and cruel designs. As these sages came from a distant country into Judea upon such an important discovery, and Bethlehem was so near, it is matter of wonder that none of the Jews attended them on their journey. But it is probable they were afraid of Herod. Or, perhaps, the dismission of the wise men might be kept a secret in Jerusalem; so that if any of... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 2:1-18

11. Herod and the Magi (Matthew 2:1-18)It seems that after the ceremonies in Jerusalem, Joseph and Mary returned with Jesus to Bethlehem. Because most of the travellers had now gone, they were able to move into the house (see Matthew 2:11). Meanwhile, in a country to the east, men known as Magi (people who study the stars) had worked out that a new king was born in Judea and they came to Jerusalem looking for him (Matthew 2:1-2).Herod the Great was ruler of Judea at the time, and he had no... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 2:9

had heard = having heard. departed: to Nazareth (not to Bethlehem). App-169 . they saw. When in the east. See Matthew 2:2 . went before = kept going before (Imperfect). Therefore not an astronomical phenomenon, but a miraculous and Divine act. till. Implying both distance and time. came = went: i.e. to Nazareth. See Matthew 2:1 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 2:9

And they, having heard the king, went their way; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.Following additional light which they received from the Bible, the wise men soon found that in following that additional light they did not forfeit light previously enjoyed. The star came and stood over the place. Being wise men, they respectfully heard the... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Matthew 2:9

9. When they had heard the king, they departed—But where were ye, O Jewish ecclesiastics, ye chief priests and scribes of the people? Ye could tell Herod where Christ should be born, and could hear of these strangers from the far East that the Desire of all nations had actually come; but I do not see you trooping to Bethlehem—I find these devout strangers journeying thither all alone. Yet God ordered this too, lest the news should be blabbed, and reach the tyrant's ears, before the Babe could... read more

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