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beachmoss
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| First Name: | Beth | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Catholic (raised Baptist) |
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Posted: Sun Dec 31st, 2006 06:54 pm |
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As Epiphany approaches I began to think about the Magi's visit, but there is one thing I can't understand.
The Magi were from the east; however, they followed the star in the east. Did they circle the globe to find Jesus?
I'm not trying to be funny here, but I just can't wrap my head around this. I've read several English translations and they are all the same.
Can someone explain this?
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Luke12:48
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Posted: Sun Dec 31st, 2006 08:02 pm |
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I also questioned this and it seems that there are many theories. Some say it was not an actual star but a comet or other natural or even supernatural light of some type. The most convincing thing I came across was in reference to the translation and suggested that "In the east" refers to the Magi's location when they saw the star, not the star's location. The other translation issue is that the word originally used could mean "arose" instead of east.
The New American Bible does not even use the "in the East" phrase.
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David W. Emery
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Posted: Sun Dec 31st, 2006 08:11 pm |
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It does not mean that they saw the star by looking toward the east, but that they were in the east (probably Persia, since astrologers were royal counselors in Persia at that time) when they first saw the star. They then journeyed to Jerusalem, for they understood by their astrological beliefs that the star’s appearance indicated the birth of a new king for the Jews.
The star was evidently not visible while they were traveling. When it reappeared (probably quite unexpectedly after their interview with Herod and the Jewish scholars, which would explain the text of Matthew 2:10), it led them to the house in Bethlehem. Note that by now the holy family had settled in Bethlehem and erected a house. (Joseph would have done much of the work himself, being a construction worker by trade.)
The “star of Bethlehem” has not been identified, although several candidates have been suggested. Depending on the type of phenomenon the magi saw, it could have been any one of them or something entirely different. It need not be something spectacular or of extraordinary brightness, especially considering the lack of correlative accounts from any nearby culture. The only thing we know for sure is that it appeared, disappeared for at least several months time, then reappeared in such a manner that it indicated to the magi the exact house where the holy family lived. How this indication took place is only vaguely outlined in the gospel, and in the end it probably does not matter, since from the beginning the magi were following their own beliefs and seeking and interpreting the signs, whatever they were, in a manner known only to them.
DavidLast edited on Sun Dec 31st, 2006 08:15 pm by David W. Emery
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beachmoss
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Posted: Sun Dec 31st, 2006 08:18 pm |
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Luke12:48 wrote: The most convincing thing I came across was in reference to the translation and suggested that "In the east" refers to the Magi's location when they saw the star, not the star's location
I'm curious as to where you read this.
On translation I read was they saw the star at "its rising." And the notes said "in the east." Which is where stars rise due to the earth's rotation.
I've also heard about the comet or other phenomena theories. Personally I tend to think that "it's rising" refers not to a compass point, but considering that the Magi were astrologers and read the stars--perhaps they read in the stars about the "rising star", the newborn king.
Now that I'm sitting here thinking about this--did Tolkien get it right that everlasting life lay to the west, not the east as most cultures have focused on?
Perhaps I'm just doing too much thinking!
Thanks for your input!
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Juan
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Posted: Sun Dec 31st, 2006 08:20 pm |
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As Epiphany approaches I began to think about the Magi's visit, but there is one thing I can't understand.
The Magi were from the east; however, they followed the star in the east. Did they circle the globe to find Jesus?
No. I live west side of my town. Yet I can see lights west of me. If I follow those lights, I come to the east side of that town.
Matt 2:1 When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. 2 Saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to adore him.
So, if you are Jesus and the star is to your east and the Magi are further east, they are traveling in a westerly direction to get to you.
However, when they are standing before Herod, the star is now to their east.
I'm not trying to be funny here, but I just can't wrap my head around this. I've read several English translations and they are all the same.
Can someone explain this?
I may be wrong, but that is how I have always understood it.
Sincerely,
Juan
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beachmoss
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Posted: Sun Dec 31st, 2006 08:22 pm |
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David, thank you for your insight. I'm still mulling over it.
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David W. Emery
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Posted: Sun Dec 31st, 2006 08:34 pm |
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Did Tolkien get it right that everlasting life lay to the west, not the east as most cultures have focused on?
Yes, I believe you are thinking too hard on this. 
Meantime, since you ask about Tolkien’s comment, he may have been thinking of the biblical fact that Eden was “in the east.” This would explain why other cultures considered that divine life lay in that direction. Christianity makes it clear that Eden is not our goal, because it is merely a preternatural state. Our true home is heaven. Some say that is “up,” but it really doesn’t matter “where” heaven is, does it? After all, heaven does not exist in time, either.
By the way, note that the appearance of the magi makes it clear that their purpose was to make a state visit, acknowledging the new king in a political manner; they were, after all, government officials. Prostration and gifts (Matthew 2:11) were a standard part of that protocol.
David
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CajunRick
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Posted: Sun Dec 31st, 2006 11:04 pm |
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Juan wrote: No. I live west side of my town. Yet I can see lights west of me. If I follow those lights, I come to the east side of that town.
I have to agree with you here, Juan. I live in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. As I drive south from Thibodaux, I enter West Houma, and as I leave East Houma, I am driving south toward the Gulf of Mexico. From my house, I drive south to East Houma. The strange directions are due to the fact that Houma is built on a bend in the bayou that runs through the city.
In New Orleans, one drives east from the French Quarter to get to the west bank of the Mississippi River. The St. Charles street car heads south from Canal Street, and then turns west, and then turns north, all whle traveling the same street.
Compass directions can often be misleading.
Matt 2:1 When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. 2 Saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to adore him.
Perhaps another way to read this passage would be that the wise men saw the star while they were in the east. "For we have seen his star [while we were] in the east..."
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Br_Carlo
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Posted: Sun Feb 18th, 2007 10:25 am |
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| God's peace. I would like to add, for those who have never seen one, that comets do not flash across the sky like meteors. They appear to hang motionless, just like stars and planets. However, their positions change on successive nights, so they may appear to "go before" someone on the ground. Blessings, ~Br_Carlo~
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