Matthew 2:7-11

(Matthew 2:7-11)

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.  When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

In ancient times, gold, frankincense, and myrrh were mainly offerings to kings or gods. Biblical scholars say, "In 243 BC, the offerings of Seleucus II Callinicus dedicated to the Temple of Apollo in Miletus included gold, frankincense, and myrrh."

Isaiah (60:6) said, The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.』The traditional interpretation of "Three Gifts from the doctors from the East " was a gift prepared to worship Jesus, the King of the Jews, like a gift to an ancient king or god. This is in good agreement with Matthew 2 as well. This is because the doctors from the East visited Israel to worship the King of the Jews and offer three offerings.

Another view interprets the three offerings as symbols of Jesus. Golden is interpreted as the kingship of the Messiah, the king of the kings, frankincense as the high priesthood of the Messiah, and myrrh as the symbol of Jesus' death. Some of the many Old Testament passages related to the Messiah offer offerings to the Messiah. Psalm (45:12) says

『And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.』 Matthew considered the worship of the baby Jesus and the offering of gifts from the doctors from the East to the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy mentioned in the Old Testament.

 

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