Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,

in the days of Herod the king,

behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

saying, where is he that is born king of the Jews?

For we have seen his star in the East and are come to worship him.

These men that came from the East were philosophers.

The Greek word here for the wise men is Magi, essentially magicians, oriental scientists,

if you were.

Coming from the east, they were Gentiles, not Jews.

They were heathens, no doubt.

They primarily studied the stars,

believing in some sort of wise creator out there

of whom consisted all knowledge and wisdom.

But just because they were heathen doesn't mean that they didn't have access to the Word

of God and the prophecies of the coming Messiah. I'm Dean Cullinay, and you're listening to Why They Did That, a show that explores the motivations of biblical characters and how their choices can guide yours.

You might remember learning the story of Balam as a child.

Baylam was the reluctant prophet of God. He's the one that God spoke to through a donkey.

Anyways, Bailam actually prophesied of Jesus' birth.

His words are recorded in Numbers 2417 and he said, I see him, but not now.

I behold him, but not near.

A star shall come out of Jacob, a sceptor shall rise out of Israel.

Bealem told of a king that would rise out of Israel, a star that would come out of Jacob.

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