Note 1 at Mt. 2:1: Bethlehem was located approximately 6 miles south of Jerusalem. Bethlehem is first mentioned in Genesis 35:19 as near the place that Jacob buried Rachel after she died in childbirth. Bethlehem became famous as the home of Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 4:11) and also the hometown of King David (1 Sam. 17:12). Micah's prophecy in Micah 5:2 that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem was fulfilled at the birth of Jesus. Bethlehem means "house of bread," and it was fitting that the "living bread" (Jn. 6:51) should be born there.

Note 2 at Mt. 2:1: There is no mention in scripture that these wise men were either three in number or that they were kings. The Greek word used here is "magos" and comes from the Babylonian language, and originally referred to astrologers or interpreters of dreams. It was later a name applied to the Persian priests. It is unusual that they would have interpreted the appearance of this star, no matter how unique it was, as signaling the birth of the Jewish king. This suggests that there was an understanding of Jewish prophecy among them which no doubt came from Daniel's influence (Dan. 1:20-21; 2:47-48; 4:8-9). It was the fact that Daniel was promoted to be master over all the magicians (Dan. 4:9) and his revelation of the time Christ would be born (Dan. 9:25) that served as the wise men's inspiration. The star served only as a sign, not an influence. The Lord has used, and will use, signs in the heavens (Acts 2:19-20) to declare his glory (Ps. 19:1-3), but the stars do not dictate, nor can they predict, events on the earth. Astrology is forbidden in scripture (Lev. 19:26; Dt. 18:10; 2 Ki. 21:6; Isa. 47:12-13; Jer. 10:2).