Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Not much is known of the Magi, who may have been part of a Persian priesthood of wise men. The Magi who sought the Messiah did so with holy anticipation. As foretold by the prophets, this Messiah would “proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound,” and would give “the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 61:1, 3).
