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The Gifts of the Magi

The Gifts of the Magi

Matthew 2:9-12

Excerpt

‎What the Magi recognize as divine guidance fills them, literally, with exceedingly great joy (v. 10). They find the mother and child and prostrate themselves before him in worship. The gifts used to honor the new king were typically associated with royalty. Because Matthew has not yet introduced the theme of Jesus’ death, it is not likely that he is implying it here, even though myrrh was a spice often used in embalming. Rather, all three gifts honor the Christ child as King. Gold, then as now, was a precious metal prized for its beauty and value, an appropriate regal gift. Frankincense and myrrh were fragrant spices and perfumes equally appropriate for such adoration and worship. Similar visits of Magi to royalty are described in other Greco-Roman literature of the time (Dio Cassius Roman History 63.7; Suetonius, Nero 13), but more significant here is the Jewish background. The Magi appear as Balaam’s successors to witness the fulfillment of Num 24:17.

Blomberg, Craig. Matthew. Vol. 22. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992. Print. The New American Commentary.

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