Matthew 2:9

¶ When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

When {G1161} they had heard {G191} the king {G935}, they departed {G4198}; and {G2532}, lo {G2400}, the star {G792}, which {G3739} they saw {G1492} in {G1722} the east {G395}, went before {G4254} them {G846}, till {G2193} it came {G2064} and stood {G2476} over {G1883} where {G3757} the young child {G3813} was {G2258}.

After they had listened to the king, they went away; and the star which they had seen in the east went in front of them until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the Child was.

And they, having heard the king, went their way; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

Commentary

Matthew 2:9 (KJV) details a pivotal moment in the journey of the wise men (Magi) as they sought the newborn King. After their unsettling encounter with King Herod in Jerusalem, the miraculous star they had initially followed reappeared, guiding them directly to Jesus.

Context

This verse follows the wise men's arrival in Jerusalem, where they inquired about the birthplace of the King of the Jews. Their inquiry led them to King Herod, who, disturbed by the news, secretly plotted to eliminate this potential rival. Herod gathered the chief priests and scribes, who, citing prophecy from Micah 5:2, informed him that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem. Herod then deceptively sent the wise men to Bethlehem, instructing them to report back so he could "worship him also" (Matthew 2:8). It is upon leaving Herod that the star, which had seemingly been absent or unnoticed during their time in Jerusalem, reappeared to lead them.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance: The star's reappearance and precise movement ("went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was") underscore God's active and supernatural guidance. It wasn't merely a celestial event but a dynamic, personal beacon leading the wise men to their destination. This highlights that God directs those who earnestly seek Him.
  • Miraculous Sign: This was no ordinary star. Its ability to "go before" them and then "stand over" a specific house points to its miraculous nature, distinguishing it from a regular astronomical phenomenon. It served as a divine confirmation and a unique sign of the Messiah's presence.
  • Persistence in Faith: Despite the detour to Herod and the potential anxieties of their long journey, the wise men's persistence in seeking the newborn King was rewarded. Their renewed sight of the star reaffirmed their mission and provided clear direction.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The star's guidance to Bethlehem directly facilitated the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's birthplace.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "star" is astēr (ἀστήρ). While the term itself is common, the description of its behavior—moving before them and then stopping precisely over a location—emphasizes its extraordinary, supernatural quality. It acted less like a fixed point in the sky and more like a mobile, intelligent guide, a direct instrument of God's will.

Practical Application

Matthew 2:9 offers encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that God provides specific guidance for those who are earnestly seeking Him, even when the path may seem unclear or challenging. Just as the star led the wise men to Jesus, God continues to lead His people, often through unexpected means, to a deeper relationship with Christ and to fulfill His purposes. Our part is to remain vigilant, persistent, and obedient to the divine signs He provides, trusting that He will direct our paths.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 2:2 (7 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Peter 1:19 (6 votes)

    ¶ We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

  • Psalms 25:12 (5 votes)

    What man [is] he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way [that] he shall choose.

  • Proverbs 8:17 (5 votes)

    I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

  • Proverbs 2:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

  • Proverbs 2:6 (4 votes)

    For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding.