Music recording by Joel Woodruff and Aimee Riegert. From We Three Kings by John H. Hopkins, 1857. View the Lyrics. Narration by Aimee Riegert.

Devotional by Lynn Marie Kohm.

Image: This detail of a tribute bearer was found in Darius the Great’s audience hall at Persepolis (515 BC)

Kings and leaders of state are known for bringing gifts for those they wish to honor, rendering tribute in a special way. The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States signifying the two nations’ love of liberty. Designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, its metal framework built by Gustave Eiffel, this statue of the noble Roman goddess Libertas was given in 1886. A recent State Department list revealed that Middle Eastern governments are some of the most lavish gift givers. Saudi Arabia generally spends a million dollars a year on gifts such as a $522,000 diamond encrusted horse sculpture. Historically, lavish gifts have shown great honor; today they give us insight into the inspiration behind the magis’ gifts to the infant Jesus.

The historian, Herodotus, mentions magi as a priestly caste of Media or Persia. These magi may have been priests or leaders of state, but were certainly Gentile. Magi were also known as studiers of the stars—astronomy experts who searched for wisdom in the stars. Even non-experts are fascinated by astronomy, as evidenced by the popularity of the April 2024 solar eclipse. Believing the affairs of history were reflected in the movements of the stars, rulers of the East commonly used the magi’s knowledge to determine affairs of state. Concerned with portents, the magi would also have been familiar with the prophecies in the scrolls of antiquity. Such an interest accounts not only for these wise men’s association with the star recorded in Matthew, but also their conclusion, shared with Herod, that the nova’s appearance signified the birth of a new ruler of great importance (Matthew 2:2). Now that ruler deserves gifts!

The Gentile magi foreshadowed the Great Commission for “all nations” (Matthew 28:19). The meticulous Matthew did not neglect to share these details. As the magi searched for ultimate truth and brough gifts to the long-expected and prophesied royal Messiah of Israel, let us also seek and not neglect the King of kings. Bring Him your gifts.