Matthew 2

Day 2 and I'm already behind. I would have posted yesterday but I was stuck in a time loop in some tiny hamlet in western Pennsylvania.

The key players in chapter 2 are foreigners from "the east". How far east I wonder? Perhaps the area around Babylon. Daniel was placed in charge of Nebuchadnezzer's magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers. (Dan 2:2,48) It seems logical to believe that these "wise men" were academic descendants of the charges of Daniel. Surely he would have taught them Messianic prophecies. It is a wonderful example of God's ultimate plan spanning generations in order to fulfill His purpose.

I am familiar with the "Christmas story" so much to the extent that I don't really stop to ponder the details very often. The absolute horror of Herod's holocaust is jarring. I can't imagine that order getting carried out. As a parent, that gives me chills.

I like the way every division in this chapter contains an OT quote in order to show the prophecy fulfilled.