40
The Desire of Ages
Even among the appointed guardians of the Holy Oracles their eager
questionings touch no chord of sympathy.
The arrival of the magi was quickly noised throughout Jerusalem.
Their strange errand created an excitement among the people, which
penetrated to the palace of King Herod. The wily Edomite was aroused
at the intimation of a possible rival. Countless murders had stained
his pathway to the throne. Being of alien blood, he was hated by the
people over whom he ruled. His only security was the favor of Rome.
But this new Prince had a higher claim. He was born to the kingdom.
Herod suspected the priests of plotting with the strangers to excite
a popular tumult and unseat him from the throne. He concealed his
mistrust, however, determined to thwart their schemes by superior
cunning. Summoning the chief priests and the scribes, he questioned
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them as to the teaching of their sacred books in regard to the place of
the Messiah’s birth.
This inquiry from the usurper of the throne, and made at the request
of strangers, stung the pride of the Jewish teachers. The indifference
with which they turned to the rolls of prophecy enraged the jealous
tyrant. He thought them trying to conceal their knowledge of the matter.
With an authority they dared not disregard, he commanded them to
make close search, and to declare the birthplace of their expected King.
“And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written
by the prophet,
“And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah,
Art in nowise least among the princes of Judah:
For out of thee shall come forth a governor,
Which shall be shepherd of My people Israel.”
R. V.
Herod now invited the magi to a private interview. A tempest of
wrath and fear was raging in his heart, but he preserved a calm exterior,
and received the strangers courteously. He inquired at what time the
star had appeared, and professed to hail with joy the intimation of the
birth of Christ. He bade his visitors, “Search diligently for the young
child; and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I may
come and worship Him also.” So saying, he dismissed them to go on
their way to Bethlehem.