The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 1 — Section 66

vir.. that the great event eo celebrated concerns all sorts and conditions of men. We have here especially to consider the star which denoted Christ (see Rev. xxii. 16), w,hether viewed as a portent, a disturber, or a guide. I. Ae A PORTENT. 1. A star is the emblem of a 'f)'l'ince. (1) So the sign was inter- preted by the Magi. "Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star "-his emblem. Herod could not be credited with refined spiritual discern- ment, yet even he accepted at once the justness of their inference. (2) The " Star out of Jacob" is, in Balaam's parable, explained to be a "Sceptre," or King, destined to "rise out of Israel" (Numb. xxiv. 17). The ambitious monarch of Babylon would "eJ:alt his throne above the stars of God," or reigning kings; so would he be "Lucifer, son of the morning," brightest among the stars or kings (Isa. xiv. 4, 12, 13). And the overthrow of monarchies is described as the falling of stars from the (political) heavens (Isa. miv. 4; Joel iii. 15, 16; Matt. xxiv. 29; Rev. vi. 12-17). (3) The propriety of the symbol may be seen in the elements of (a) elevation; (b) conspicuousness; (c) splendour; (d) rule, or influence over the earth (see Gen. i. 14-19). 2. This star indicated an extraordinary Prince. (1) It was not an object seen only in desciiption in a treatise on symbols. It was not a commonplace phenomenon. (2) It was an unusual apparition, It was not a "fixed star;" for it moved. Not a recognized planet; it was too near the earth. Not an ordinary electrical meteor; it blazed too steadily. Then, as a supernatural star, it betokened a supernataral Prince. 3. It denoted the Christ of God, (I) The time was ripe for the advent of Messiah. (a) The sceptre, tribe rod, or tribal magistracy, was visibly departing from Judah (Gen. xlix. 10). (b) The family of David was reduced to a humble condition, and all but extinct (cf. Isa. vii, 15 with eh. iii. 4; see also Isa. liii. 2). (c) Daniel's weeks were fast running out (Dan, ix. 24). (2) Hence the prevalent expectation: (a) In Israel (see eh. xxiv. 5; Luke iii. 15; J:ix. 11). (b) Amongst the nations. This is testified by Suetonius, Tacitus, Cicero; also in sundry Oriental traditions. (3) The Magi seem to have shared in this expectation. They were generally familiar with Hebrew traditions. They appear to have been particularly acquainted with Balaam's prophecy. Possibly the son of Beor had been one of their predecessors-one of the ancient Magi of their own country. (4) "His star;" the star peculiar to him. Evidently so, for no other prince eustains a miraculous character. The false Ch1ist in the time of Adrian took the name of Barchochab, "the son of a star." Note: The Wise Men profited by discernicg the signs of their times. The neglect of prophetic study is the reverse of creditable to Christians (see eh. xvL 3; 2 Pet. i. 19-21; Rev. i. 3). ll As A DISTURBER. 1, It troubled Herod. (1) By showing the advent of One whom he thought to be his political rival, who might deprive him of his throne. Jesus was "born King of the Jews;" Herod was an Idumrean usurper. He was too carnal to discern that the heavenly star betokened a heavenly kingdom. Jesus had no design upon his paltry seat. Note: Christ retributively rebukes the wicked through their -0wn disordered imaginations. "'l'he most general enmities and oppositions to good arise from mistakes" (Bishop Hall). (2) Herod's trouble stirred up the devil in his nature. He instactly took the resolution to rid himself of his rival. Note: Sin would murder any virtue that opposed its ambition. Virtues are representatives of Christ, who is the Impersonation of all virtues iu their perfection. (3) Herod carried out his resolution with exquisite hypocrisy. Note : The most frightful wickedness is that concealed under the mask of piety. Sharpers join Churches and seek Church office to 1180 the influence so acquired to fleece the simple and confiding. A Herod may even deceive wise men; he cannot cheat God. 2. Jerusalem was trou,bled, (1) Herod's oourtiers were concerned for their places as their master was for his throne. Only the unscrupulous could aid the tyranny of such a ruler, In the kingdom of Messiah persons of that type could have no place. Note: What trouble will be amongst those who have the spirit of the courtier when the great King comes to the judgment ! (2) But why should the citizens be troubled? They were troubled "with" Herod, aware of the moods of the tyrant, and dreading some tragedy. He had murdered the brother and grandfather of his wife; he had murdered Mariamne, his wife, and her mother Alexandra; he had despatched two of his own sons, etc. The slaughter of the innocents which followed justified such an apprehension. The tyrant was shown up when he had collected the principal Jews, and had them shut up in the circus at  THE GOSrEL ACCORDING TO ST. M:A'l'TIIEW. [en. 11. 1-23,