Wise men….men of the East

 Wise men…men of the East….

A friend shared the other day about a passage in Esther…

Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times

Esther 1:13

And how it shared similar language to Matthew 2… 

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Matthew 2:1-2

https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/magi/

Susa is almost due East of Jerusalem…Esther, which book does not name God throughout, talks of wise men…

https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-near-eastern-world/ancient-persian-capital-susa/

https://bible-history.com/map_babylonian_captivity/map_of_the_deportation_of_judah_susa.html

Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility — young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. 

He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. 

To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. 

And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. 

Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. 

He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. …

Daniel 1:3-4,17,20,2:27-28 

Daniel talks of wise men as well, their training, …but, acknowledges that only God reveals wisdom… as does James in the New Testament.. or Solomon in the Old Testament 

So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.

1 Kings 3:9,12 

 The Lord gave Solomon wisdom, just as he had promised him. There were peaceful relations between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.

1 Kings 5:12

All the kings of the earth sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.

2 Chronicles 9:23 

Solomon writes of wisdom numerous times in the book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes….

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 

For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. 

Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, 

Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words,

Proverbs 2:6,10,12,16

Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 15:33 

Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it.

Ecclesiastes 7:12 

David spoke  of wisdom as well…. 

The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just.

Psalm 37:30

My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the meditation of my heart will give you understanding.

Psalm 49:3

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

Psalm 111:10

James speaks of wisdom…

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

James 1:5,3:13,17

And on through the book of Revelations…

Oh, to be wise…from ruling nations, to humbleness…to making right decisions…to finding the King of Kings…useful in all of life…

Thank YOU that we can ask…