Wise men
Summary
Wise men in Scripture include those skilled in learning and counsel, as well as practitioners of divination in pagan courts; the Magi who visited Christ were learned men from the East.
☩Wise Men of Ancient Kingdoms
Major ancient kingdoms maintained classes of wise men who served as advisors, interpreters of dreams, and practitioners of divination. Pharaoh summoned his wise men when troubled by dreams, and Egypt was renowned for its wisdom. Nebuchadnezzar's wise men included magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers who could not interpret his dream—only Daniel, through God's revelation, succeeded. While Scripture records their presence, it carefully distinguishes between genuine wisdom from God and occult knowledge.
☩The Magi and Christ
The wise men (Magi) who came seeking the newborn King of the Jews were learned men from the East, likely Persia or Babylon, where astronomical observation was highly developed. Guided by a star, they came to worship and present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh—gifts befitting royalty, deity, and one destined for burial. Their visit demonstrated that Gentiles would seek and worship the Messiah, even as Jewish leaders in Jerusalem showed little interest. Warned in a dream, they returned home by another route.
☩Biblical Wisdom Versus Divination
Scripture distinguishes sharply between wisdom that comes from fearing the LORD and knowledge gained through forbidden occult practices. Moses was trained in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and Daniel learned Chaldean studies, but both were preserved from idolatrous entanglement. For ordinary Israelites, the prohibition of idolatry closed the door to such pursuits. Solomon's wisdom excelled all the wisdom of Egypt and the East because it came from God, not magical arts.
Related Verses44 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Wise men," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).