Who Were The Magi?

Just who were the Magi, the Wise Men who went in search of the King of the Jews?

We really don't know who they were, as far as names. The traditional names are not recorded in Scripture, so as far as we know, history has forgotten their names. The term "magician" is derived from Magi, but it is erroneous in meaning, in other words, they were not magicians. There is historically a connection to sorcery, but not in the way we think of it. These men were actually a clan or tribe of priests in the area known as Media and Persia. They can be traced as far back as Ur of the Chaldees, Abraham's home. This would be present day Turkey and Iraq.

Fast forward to the time of the Babylonian exile with the prophet Daniel. We find Daniel being promoted to the chief of the Wise men...these were the Magi. To see that the Magi of the Nativity story knew about this new King of the Jews, otherwise known as the Messiah, they must have had, as part of their education, the writings of Belteshazzar. This was Daniel's Babylonian name.

They were scientists, astronomers, astrologers and political consultants. They were known as the "King-makers". History tells us that they could make or break a man's ascension to the throne. What they said was law. This is referred to in the book of Daniel when the Magi who were against Daniel sought to make him look bad to King Darius. When the king was deceived into creating a law that forbade anyone to pray to any God or gods other than himself, this was called the "Law of the Medes & Persians".

The East was at odds with Rome at the time of the Census. It was an area that had not bowed the knee to Caesar. Rome feared these Magi and their followers. They fought all the time in the area known as Palestine. This is probably why Herod was so uneasy at their arrival in Jerusalem and they more than likely had a regiment of soldiers with them.
Being astronomers/astrologers, it is no wonder they followed a Star to find Him. All through history stars had been harbingers of new & great kings at their births. It is said that the Star that led them was found in the "eye" of the constellation known as the Lion or Leo. Isn't it interesting that the Lion is a symbol of Christ?

They came looking for The King that would be the salvation of all men. He would bring an end to all war and strife. He would deliver men from themselves.

As the saying goes, Wise Men still seek Him.

Think about it.