The Wise Men's Risky Journey
Following The Star of Bethlehem May Have Been Risk For The Magi
Dec 28, 2008
Several centuries ago, Wise Men of the East packed their belongings and gifts that they would offer to the baby Jesus and made a difficult journey to meet the most prestigious infant. What is not so well known is that they may have done so at the risk of their lives.
Wise Men From The East
The Wise Men, or Magi ("Magoi" per the Gospel of Matthew) came from the East to witness and pay homage to the child of their prophecy who was to become a king of the Jewish people. Actually, an examination of Persian history indicates the likelihood that the Magi were from Persia. A little known fact in the Western world is that the Magi actually existed and served as priests and members of the Parthian government during the time Jesus was born.
The Parthian Dynasty which existed in Persia from 247 BC to 224 AD was governed by the Council of the Megistanes. It was comparable to the British Parliament with the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The upper house members were the Magi or "great ones" who were a supreme priestly class in Persia at the time. They served in the hereditary priesthood and as members of the Megistanes whose most important task seemed to be the selection of the kings of their land.
The Prophecies
The Magi were aware of the prophecies of Daniel concerning the coming of the Messiah, because he had once served as the Chief Adminsitrator of the Magi and had taught in the land that became Persia. Also, through one of his students, Daniel's prophecies were written into the Zend Avesta, the bible of Zoroastrianism which Zoroaster wrote. At the time of Jesus' birth, Zoroastrianism existed as the state religion of Persia.
In addition, an ancient prophet from Mesopatamia named Balaam foretold the coming of a star that would precede the arrival of a great leader of the Jewish people. This is known from the book of Numbers (chapter 24) in the Old Testament and was also known to the Magi. Thus, there was significant inspiration and motivation to seek out the one who was to become the "king of kings" despite the cost.
The Journey
The journey of the Magi would not have occurred without considerable risk. The distance of such a trip could have been around 500 to 1000 miles depending upon the point of origin which still remains a mystery. Some accounts indicate that the journey could have started in Ur. Others speculate it could have started at the ancient Institute of Astrology at Sippar near Babylonia (both in present day Iraq). Such a trek through the deserts and rugged terrain of the Middle East could have taken approximately six to eight weeks depending upon prevailing conditions along the way. Also, their means of navigation was limited and depended primarily upon the star they were following since they did not fully know their destination.
Regardless of the distance, it would have been a formidable journey. It would have required courage since the Magi, who had the means to afford such a journey, would have been carrying valuable items (including the three special gifts). Such wealthy travelers could have attracted the interest of desert thieves and other ruthless types interested in ransoming rich foreigners. But, beyond this, they would have travelled through territory occupied by the Roman Empire. Members of the government of Persia, Rome's enemy, could have initiated a serious confrontation if encountered by the Roman military on their journey. Such a pilgrimage may have been made at the risk of their lives.
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