It is not known who these wise men were. Their names and dwelHng-place are alike kept back from us. We are only told that they came " from the East." Whether they were Chaldeans or Arabians we cannot say. Whether they learned to expect Christ from the ten tribes who went into captivity, or from the prophecies of Danielj we do not know. It matters little who they were. The point which concerns us most is the rich instruction which their history conveys.
These verses show us, that there may he true servants of God in places where ive should not expect to find them. The Lord Jesus has many " hidden ones'' like these wise men. Their history on earth may be as little known as that of Melchizedek, and Jethro, and Job. But their names are in the book of hfe, and they will be found with Christ in the day of His appearing. It is well to remember this. We must not look round the earth and say hastily, " all is barren." The grace of God is not tied to places and families. The Holy Ghost can lead souls to Christ without the help of many outward means. Men may be born in dark places of the earth, like these wise men, and yet like them be made " wise unto salva- tion." There are some travelling to heaven at this mo- ment, of whom the church and the world know nothing. They flourish in secret places like the lily among thorns, and " waste their sweetness on the desert air." But Christ loves them, and they love Christ.
These verses teach us, that it is not always those who have most religious privileges, who giveChrist most honor. Wc might have thought that the Scribes and Pharisees would have been the first to hasten to Bethlehem, on the
MATTHEWj CHAP. II. 11
slightest rumor that the Saviour was born. But it was not so. A few unknown strangers from a distant land were the first, except the shepherds mentioned by St. Luke, to rejoice at His birth. " He came unto his own, and his own received him not." What a mournful pic- ture this is of human nature ! How often the same kind of thing may be seen among ourselves ! How often the very persons who live nearest to the means of grace are those who neglect them most ! There is only too much truth in the old proverb, " The nearer the church the further from God.'' Familiarity with sacred things has an awful tendency to make men despise them. There are many, who from residence and convenience ought to be first and foremost in the worship of God, and yet are always last. There are many, who might well be ex- pected to be last, who are always first.
These verses teach us, that there may he hioioledge of Scripture in the head, while there is no grace in the heart. Mark how king Herod sends to inquire of the priests and elders " where Christ should be born.'' Mark what a ready answer they return him, and what an acquaintance with the letter of Scripture they show. But they never went to Bethlehem to seek for the coming Saviour. They would not believe in Him, when He ministered among them. Their heads were better than their hearts. — Let us all beware of resting satisfied with head- knowledge. It is an excellent thing, when rightly used. But a man may have much of it, and yet perish ever- lastingly. What is the state of our hearts ? This is the great question. A little grace is better than many gifts. Gifts alone save no on«. But grace leads on to glory.