Star in the East

Concise Bible Dictionary:

From the account given of this star it is evident that it was one specially sent for the nativity, for it not only appeared to the Magi in the East, but guided them from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, and “stood over” where the young child was. Faith in the power of God dispels all difficulty as to the star (Matt. 2:1-101Now 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, 2Saying, 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. 3When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. 7Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. 9When 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. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. (Matthew 2:1‑10)). There were traditions that God would raise up a deliverer, and the Magi may have heard of the Old Testament prophecies as to Messiah; but whether this be so or not, God, who provided the star, sent the Magi to find out the King of the Jews, and instructed them not to return to Herod.

From Manners and Customs of the Bible:

When the preparations were making for the coronation of Solyman III as king of Persia in 1666, the astrologers had very important duties assigned them, according to the custom of their country. Sir John Chardin, who was present, says that these astrologers were appointed “to observe the lucky hour, according to the position of the stars, for the performance of this weighty ceremony” (Coronation of Solyman III, p. 36).
The wise men mentioned in the text may have supposed, from what they had seen of the star, that it was a favorable time for the coronation of the new-born King, and hence they came to worship him.

Related Books and Articles:

631. The Star of the King