While there have been many attempts to explain away much of the Bible, the star that the magi saw has indeed intrigued many people. What kind of natural phenomenon could have occurred that would cause important people from far away to make a perilous journey to look for a king? And, why in Israel? And, of all of the other kings and leaders born, why would this one be so honored?
The star has been described as a comet, a super nova, or a lining up of certain planets. These are spectacular, but natural, phenomenon. Furthermore, these events might indeed have occurred around this time, and many well-intentioned folks have been captivated by this possibility, and videos have been made that promote this. However, a closer look will reveal that that’s not what this “star” was.
What are the facts about the magi and the star?
1 - The magi were coming to worship the king of the Jews.
2 - They saw "His" star in the east - in their own country.
3 - Herod assumed that the king the magi were seeking was indeed the promised Christ, a HUGE threat to him.
4 - Herod was able to determine the exact time the star appeared to the magi. It was roughly 2 years earlier. This is why Herod had all of the boys 2 years and under slain.
5 - Notice what the "star" did next: a.) It "went before them" and b.) It "came and stood over the place where the young child was".
Based on the Matthew account, the magi knew the specific meaning of the appearance of the star. How would they have known that? Under normal circumstances, there would be no way that its appearance would mean something so specific as a particular king being born to lead a particular people. Perhaps the magi were believers, with the faith having been handed down since Daniel’s time? Maybe God chose to reveal the birth to them just as He
did to the shepherds?
Or, perhaps it was prophesied to be so? But, by whom? A likely person would be Daniel. Think of his roles. He served at least four kings of the east throughout his entire life (Daniel 1:20-21). He was part of their inner circles. He was the leader of the “wise men” of his day (Daniel 2:48). He could interpret dreams. He was highly esteemed by God (Daniel 9:23). Daniel received several revelations about the
future. We have those recorded in the book that bears his name. However, it is possible that, given all of the above, God also revealed to Daniel the means by which He would announce the birth of His Son. Even though we don’t have any record of such a revelation, the magi (Daniel’s associates and their descendants) certainly knew something! They knew what to watch for. By the time they saw the star, they knew exactly what its significance was!
Furthermore, the fact that they saw it again – two years later, right after their meeting with Herod – and that it moved to an exact place (not just a town) indicates that it was not up in space, like a comet or planets aligning, but near to them physically.
We can conclude, from the above, that this was not a natural phenomenon. Perhaps the star was the “light” that appeared before the sun was made? Perhaps the pillar of fire that led the Israelites in the desert? Perhaps it was the Shekinah Glory of God? Whatever it was, it was a unique, supernatural event heralding a supernatural birth!
