ISB ~ Matthew 2 v1

Bethlehem:A small village south of Jerusalem. Its Hebrew name means “house of bread”, and it came to be known as the “city of David” (Lk 2:4). As the new Davidic king, Jesus is born in the hometown of David and his family (1 Sam 16:1). It is also the site where David was anointed king (1 Sam 16:4-13).

Herod the king:Herod the Great, ruler of Palestine. He was part of a non-Jewish (Edomite) family that held political favor with Rome. Herod was appointed “King of the Jews” by the Roman Senate in 40 B.C. to replace the collapsing dynasty of Jewish priestly rulers. He took power in Jerusalem in 37 B.C. and reigned until his death. He is famous for extensive building projects, especially his renovation of the Jerusalem Temple. As a ruler, he was extremely harsh and inflexible. He enjoyed little favor with the Jews since he remained loyal to the Roman emperor and was not a rightful Davidic leader. According to our current calendar, Jesus was born near the end of Herod’s reign, either between 6 and 4 B.C. or 3 and 2 B.C.(cf. 2:16).

Wise Men from the East:Probably astrologers from Persia—this would explain their interest in an extraordinary “star” (2:2). In Matthew, the Magi are the first Gentiles to recognize the kingship of Jesus (CCC 528).

• The star recalls OT prophecy about the Messiah. In Num 24:17, Balaam predicted: “a star shall come forth out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.” Herod the Edomite was “troubled” (Mt 2:3), knowing that the same oracle foretold disaster for his family: “Edom shall be dispossessed” (Num 24:18).