8 Matthew, Ii. 10. [1280.

weeks, or several months. What the star was, we know not. It could not be a common star ; but only a meteor, resembling one. How they came to regard it as intimating the birth of any one, and especially of one who should be the King of the Jews, we know- not. It is probable that they were astronomers ; and that, seeing this new star over the land of Judjiea, they concluded it to be ominous of some great event : and, having heard of the general report, that there was expected to arise, about that time, in Judaea, one who should govern the whole earth, they might sup- pose the star to be an indication of his birth. Yet, on the whole, I think it more probable, that the same Almighty and gracious God, who sent this star to guide them to Judrea, revealed to them the occasion of its appearance, and the wonderful event of which they themselves were to be the favoured witnesses. The inquiry which they make on reaching Jerusalem seems indeed to place this matter beyond a doubt : for they do not ask whether some great personage were born : they express no doubt whatever respecting the fact; but only inquire where the new-born infant was; " Where is he that is born King of the Jews ? for we have seen his star, and are come to worship him." The Jews themselves, it seems, were uncon- scious of any remarkable occurrence, till the confident inquiry of these strangers drew their attention to it : and then both Herod the king, and all the people at Jerusalem, were filled with consternation. Herod, a remarkably jealous prince, summoned the chiefs of the Jewish nation, that he might learn from them where their Messiah, according to the Scriptures, should be born. They, from a well-known prophecy, informed him, that Bethlehem was the highly-favoured city for which this honour was reserved : and he, on receiving this information, directed the Magi thither, with an express command, that, when they should have found him, they would come back to him, and communi- cate all that they should have learned respecting him. Thither the Magi now directed their steps. But no sooner had they re commenced their journey.