The National tribune., 1896-12-10

WGCkS
fore the Presen tation Of the Child at the Tom
ple. Two reasons seem against this: a. They
would not have dared to take the Infant TO
Jerusalem when Her0d was feeling so murder.
GUS D. Had it been before the Presentation.
Joseph and Mary would have been able to
make much richer offering.
1t seems clear quite time must have elapsed.
St. Matt, ct, shows Herod ascertained very
accurately the time of the appearing of the
star. We infer it appeared at the time OF tho
birth. Then in st. Matt. 2: 49, we find Herod
in his wrath Staying the infants one year
younger and one year older than the infant
Christ was found to be, SO as to be sure to IN
clude said Child.
But ono says, eff the star appeared c0inci-
IDENTITY with the birth. how is it the Wise Men
do not reach Bethlehem till about one year
afterward?" There wera several reasons for
considerable delay.
a. When the phenomenon appeared perhaps
il was not at first understood. The Magi
probably spent good deal of time in seeking
am explanation of the stars appearance.
b. At length deciding il must relate to the
birth of the expected Jewish King fviz the
Messiah), quite time would be demanded in
making preparations for long and difficult
tourney. There was no rapid means Of travel.
Those j0urneying were obliged to 60 afoot or
oil slow beasts of burden.
c. Then, they stopped at Jerusalem to make
certain inquiries. "A COueIuctdUlo lcuStu VI
time might have interviewed there.
d. In that very warm climate, and at prob.
ably warm part of the year, they could not
travel very rapidly. Most Of the journeyiDg
was probably done by night. If they depended
on the guidance of the star all the way, it
would scem they went by night. 1t is, how
ever, possible the star could be seen by day
light; or if they travelled at all by day. they
might have pursued id the general direction OF
the star as seen nightsl eMany hold the travel
ing was when it wasydark. Doubtless the
Journey from Jerusalem 10 Bethlehem was at
night for the distances was so short as to require
direct specific guidance. 3
G, We notice, also. tho Wise Men took, SEEM
insly loads of proysi0ns and the articles for
presen tation to the infant King. and there may
thus have been anioimpeding somewhat OF
progress. tss9
f. We find it took Ezraeto make practically,
it would seem, tho snmo journey alone four
months. Ezra, 10. :rtsisu
The trip WIS taken Tin; tho days Of Herod
the King VI. Hp had been King some 81
years. tesssI
There is nothing 70 Indicate how long tho
Magi stopped at BethleheH. We would suppose
they did not remain a Rseat while from the
fact uerod was impatient TO hear from them.
Visa diem.
It is supposed they came from Persia, dis
tance Of about 600 miles from Jerusalem.
tradition declares that Zor0aster foresaw
the birth of Christ and told the eminent Magi
to he on lookout for Star which was to appear,
and directed them, on its appearance. to follow
it and fud the newborn King. The Persians
were wershipers of God under tho symbol Of
FIRE, aud very observant Of the presence Of IRE
in any form.
1t is said there were three OF the Magf-
Mechor, Jasper, Balthazar.
The ArDlenians of to-day hold that the wise
men were Armenians. and they claim the Star
was first seen In their country.
Tie Magi were q sect. or caste, consisting OF
Persian priests. philosophers. men of letters.
The lives Of these men were given to the study
of science. human and divine. Medicine was
much cultivated. So, too, astronomy, but it
amounted to little more than astrology.
II the wise men. SO called, had not before
been wise. they were entering the ways of wis
dom indeed when they went to Christ.
Prof. Rawlinson claims the Nagi were we'll
organized body, strong hierarchy, very
ancient in origin, and profoundly respected by
the people. There is no doubt they were
sacred tribe-nstructors of children and youth,
counselors Of rulers, believers in mon0theism
Zone God).
1t is generally held tho Magi were Gentilss,
and hence The Epiphany is season of special
rejoicing that Christianity is cosmopolitan.
The Magi were evidently descendants Of Abra-
ham, but not through Jacob.
The Cathedral in Cologne claims it has the
skulls and other bones Of the Magi.
1t is better to render the original (Magoi)
Magi. than wise men," The margin Of the
Revised Edition so translates.
The Syriac. Arabic, Latin. and Italian YER
sions leave the word Magoi (Magi) untrans.
lated. as is, e. g., the case generally with the
baptism.
We find Daniel was appointed the Master of
the MaQicians. Dan. 2: "a. AZ; 40; Sill.
The New Testament meDtions two Magi: a..
Simon Magus. Acts, 8: 3. IL. b. Elymas. 13:
6. 8.
Milton. in his hymn on Christs Nativity,
calls the Magi Wizards.
Defnitions.
/. Behold. VI. Their coming was unex-
pected. 1t was also Q very wonderful act.
"Lo." in v. 8, has the same original and the
same idea Of great surprise.
| 2. Worship. We. The original (Greek)
means literally to kiss to or tOwards-to kiss
| the hand and to toss kiss to another. So We
speak of throwing kiss.
What is the force Of the word in our lcssonf
| a. 1t is tire veneration of the devotee for his
God. Bengei, Lanse. Job. I:20.
b. 1t is respect due from the subject to his
ruler. Barnes. Crosby, st. Matt, 10: 26; 20:
90; Acts, 10: 25; Est, Sa&
What conception had the MaEi Of the Child
Jesus?
| Fell down.. v. IL gives ting form OF real
worship. Ps., Y: IL; Isa. 46: 6; DAN. g.: q.
The word worship in v. really meaaa
kill. .o
8. Demanded. VA. Inquired.
4. The words for thus, Il" ETC., in v. s and
all Of v. g ara whose Language? q. st. Mat
thew's. Bloomfield. DR.. James Strong. b. The
Sanhedrim's. Barnes, Bsngel, Crosby.
5. Inquired diligently w. Sought exact
information as to--criticalfy questioned
pumped. By artful Interrogation he drew from
them the desired knowledge.
So the word diligently in v. 8 means closely
aud critically. Theres is also the idea Of par
sistency. Did Herod think there would be any
attempt to conceal tho Child2
6. Opened their treasures. V. IL. Rather
opened the chests, Baskets. bales, boxes, bags
that contained the treasures. The contained
is mentioned (metonymy) for the contained.
z. The gifts. VI
! There were three kinds-gold, frankincenso
myrrh. Gold, money: IL is thought this Wal
a pravidential supply. enabling Jesus to b.
carried away from the cruelty of Herod
Frankincense: a white resin, or gum, gotteE
by emitting into the bark Of the tree; very fra
grant when burned; one Of the ingredients il
the recipe for the Temple incense GEE. 30: 3ll
chiefly from Arabia; bitter taste; tribute il
is believed, ia tha divinity Of Christ. MYrrh
gotten in the same way as frankincense; nset
!, in smbsfmiug; ems Of the iugredisnta az th.
: holy oil nsed in the Temple Tex. 50: 28); tree
ia Arabia and Africx. Il Vas the 0risntai chs
torn, when visitisE - take prssants. Is tn
each brought his respsctivs gift