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The Wise Men

In verse 12 of this week's study (Isaiah, chapter 19), we encounter the word, "wise men."  We have just completed a joyous time of the year centering around the birth of Christ.  An important event in this story is the coming of the "wise men" or "Magi."  When we examine the social roles that played a part in the societies in which the Sacred Scriptures were written, we see these titles as significant.

This week's Bible Study article will take a closer look at who the "wise men" or "magi" were.

Wise men were sages who appear in the biblical tradition within the context of an international wisdom movement.   Wise men of Egypt, Persia, and Babylon are referred to in Gen 41:8, Esther; 1:13, and Dan 2:12.  The term also applies to the Magi in the infancy narrative (the three Magi) of Mt 2:1-18.

Wise men brought wisdom to Israel.  The wisdom they shared was generally practical, concerned with knowledge about the principles governing the world and the life of the individual.   The usual form of instruction was the proverb.  While their wisdom was based on reason rather than revelation, it was still enlightened by piety, for "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Prv 9:10).

According to Dt 1:13-15, wise men were selected for the tribes in the days of Moses to provide instruction in the law from their own understanding of the law and from their own understanding and experience of life.

In the course of time, a professional class of wise men developed (Jer 18:18; Is 29:14) along with priests and prophets.  Some served at the royal court to guide rulers and to preserve (as scribes) the sacred traditions (Jer 8:8-9; 18:18).

Finally, professional wise man provided instruction in schools they established (Sir 51:23).   The Books of Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Sirach, and Wisdom are thought to have been composed by professional sages.  The preeminent wise man in Israel's traditions was Solomon, whose "wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east" (1Kg 4:30).  Occasionally, the traditions also speak of the "wise woman" (2 Sm 14:2; 20:16).

The Wise Men, or Magi (from the Greek root meaning "magic"), appear in Matthew and are said to be "from the east" (2:1), which could mean Arabia, Mesopotamia, or elsewhere.  They are portrayed as astrologers since they are guided by the star (2:2).  We know they are Gentiles since they do not know the scriptural prophecy concerning the location of the Messiah's birth (2:2-6).

Although Matthew does not give a number, popular traditions have portrayed them as three in number because of the three gifts (2:11).  They are often called kings in light of Is 60:3, although for Matthew they are astrologers.   Later, post biblical traditions have also supplied the names, Casper, Melchior, and Balthasar.

Epiphany ("manifestation,") is the annual celebration, based on this account, of the manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles, in which drama the Wise Men are considered the first to pay him homage.

The story of the Magi is primarily theological in interest and purpose.  Jesus is presented as the King-Messiah of the Gentiles, recognized by the Gentiles but not by his own people, the Jews.  The story's details are inspired by a number of OT texts.  The star is the star which rises from Jacob (Nm 24:17). The coming of the ruler of Judah is an echo of Gn 49:10.   The birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem is based upon Mic 5:1-3.   The tribute from kings of Tarshish and the coastlands, the gifts of kings from Sheba and Seba, the worship of kings and the service of nations, and gold from Sheba are promised the king of Judah in Psalm 72:10-12, 15.  In the restored messianic Jerusalem, camels will come from Kidian and Epha, and gold and frankincense will be brought from Sheba (cf. Is 49:23).

These allusions show that the NT account of the Wise Men has been transformed by theological reflection upon the OT.  The theme that Jesus, the Messiah, came not only for the Jews but also for the Gentiles, that is, for all people, is basic to the entire NT.

Text: Isaiah 19:1-25

1  Oracle on Egypt: See, the LORD is riding on a swift cloud on his way to Egypt; The idols of Egypt tremble before him, the hearts of the Egyptians melt within them.

2  I will rouse Egypt against Egypt: brother will war against brother, Neighbor against neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom.

3  The courage of the Egyptians ebbs away within them, and I will bring to nought their counsel; They shall consult idols and charmers, ghosts and spirits.

4  I will deliver Egypt into the power of a cruel master, A harsh king who shall rule over them, says the Lord, the LORD of hosts.

5. The waters shall be drained from the sea, the river shall shrivel and dry up;

6  Its streams shall become foul, and the canals of Egypt shall dwindle and dry up.  Reeds and rushes shall wither away,

7  and bulrushes on the bank of the Nile; All the sown land along the Nile shall dry up and blow away, and be no more.

8  The fishermen shall mourn and lament, all who cast hook in the Nile; Those who spread their nets in the water shall pine away.

9  The linen-workers shall be disappointed, the combers and weavers shall turn pale;

10  The spinners shall be crushed, all the hired laborers shall be despondent.

11  Utter fools are the princes of Zoan! the wisest of Pharaoh's advisers give stupid counsel. How can you say to Pharaoh, "I am a disciple of wise men, of ancient kings"?

12  Where then are your wise men?  Let them tell you and make known What the LORD of hosts has planned against Egypt.

13  The princes of Zoan have become fools, the princes of Memphis have been deceived.  The chiefs of her tribes have led Egypt astray.

14  The LORD has prepared among them a spirit of dizziness, And they have made Egypt stagger in whatever she does, as a drunkard staggers in his vomit.

15  Egypt shall have no work to do for head or tail, palm branch or reed.

16  On that day the Egyptians shall be like women, trembling with fear, because of the LORD of hosts shaking his fist at them.

17  And the land of Judah shall be a terror to the Egyptians.  Every time they remember Judah, they shall stand in dread because of the plan which the LORD of hosts has in mind for them.

18  On that day there shall be five cities in the land of Egypt speaking the language of Canaan and swearing by the LORD of hosts; one shall be called "City of the Sun."

19  On that day there shall be an altar to the LORD in the land of Egypt, and a sacred pillar to the LORD near the boundary.

20  It shall be a sign and a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt, when they cry out to the LORD against their oppressors, and he sends them a savior to defend and deliver them.

21  The LORD shall make himself known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the LORD in that day; they shall offer sacrifices and oblations, and fulfill the vows they make to the LORD.

22  Although the LORD shall smite Egypt severely, he shall heal them; they shall turn to the LORD and he shall be won over and heal them.

23  On that day there shall be a highway from Egypt to Assyria; the Assyrians shall enter Egypt, and the Egyptians enter Assyria, and Egypt shall serve Assyria.

24  On that day Israel shall be a third party with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the land,

25  when the LORD of hosts blesses it: "Blessed be my people Egypt, and the work of my hands Assyria, and my inheritance, Israel."

Discussion/Reflection Questions:

Isaiah 19:2 speaks of brother, neighbor, city, and kingdom making war against brother, neighbor, city, and kingdom.  Do you think the prophet would find this prophesy fulfilled in our world today?  And if so, how would you explain this - what are the manifestations and what are the causes?