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. 2:1-10). 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:
Matthew 2:2. 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.
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.
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