Matthew 2:1-12
“Notice what you notice.” I think it’s what I had hoped for, that in reading only a few verses at each sitting we would see words and phrases and “concepts” that we had not noticed before – or had glossed over without really considering them further. Again today I report on three such items, in order of appearance, not importance.
First, in verse 3, “…and all Jerusalem with him…”. I can imagine Herod being troubled. He already had a long history of murdering family and friends who might be a threat to him. But to whom is this “all Jerusalem” referring? The Temple leaders – the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes…? Or the wealthy…? Or the average citizen…? Why would anyone but Herod be “troubled” at this news of a new King of the Jews? Weren’t they looking for a Messiah? I would think that “all Jerusalem” would be thrilled, not troubled.
Second, in verse 7, “…secretly.” Why would Herod summon the Wise Men “secretly”? It was previously noted that “all Jerusalem” was troubled “with him”. He had already publicly inquired of the Wise Men “…where the Christ was to be born”. Now he’s questioning them about the star and the time of its appearance. Is Herod into astrology? Surely not astronomy!! This item is truly intriguing to me.
Finally, verse 11, “the house”. I had suggested two days ago that Mary and her baby had probably not spent much time in that stable setting. So that item is confirmed in Matthew, that the Wise Men went “into the house”. So we have to re-think any artwork or manger sets that have the Wise Men worshiping at the stable. And I’m glad there was some gracious, generous family in Bethlehem willing to move the Newborn and His mother into their home!
Blessings!
I imagine the people who work closely with Herod are the ones referred to here. This is sort of along the lines of “If Mama ain’t happy ain’t nobody happy.” And Herod must have been a scary person to deal with on a good day!
Also, on verse 11, I had always thought that it was one or two years after the birth that the Magi showed up. Hence the reference later of Herod killing all the little boys that were two or younger. Also, they were coming from a long ways off, so it would have to take a long time to get there. So naturally Mary and Joseph didn’t stay in the stable all that time.