Matthew 2:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The adversaries of the truth were reluctantly compelled to consider the Scriptures and interpret the prophecies. However, their explanations were incomplete; when they mentioned that the Shepherd of Israel would emerge from Bethlehem, they neglected to include the subsequent phrase to flatter the king: "Come forth from the beginning from the days of the age" (Micah 5:2). If His origins were in Bethlehem, one might wonder why He resided in Nazareth following His birth, seemingly obscuring the prophecy. In fact, He did not diminish it but rather clarified it further. His birth in Bethlehem, despite His mother's residence in Nazareth, indicates a divine plan.

Which prophet spoke this? Micah. He declared, ‘And you Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means the least among the rulers of Judah’ (Micah 5:2).

Despite all the signs that were revealed at the Lord's birth and His crucifixion, we must reflect on the hardening of some Jews’ hearts, who failed to recognize Him through prophecy or miracles. Every aspect of creation testified that their Saviour had arrived. In human terms, the heavens acknowledged Him as Divine by sending forth a star. The sea recognized Him, allowing Him to walk upon its waters. The earth responded, trembling at the moment of His death. The sun testified by veiling its light, and the rocks and walls bore witness as they split apart at His passing. Even Hell acknowledged Him by releasing the souls it held captive.

And they responded, In Bethlehem of Judea. The reply appears to come quickly, yet there was no need for deliberation, as they had long been aware of where the Messiah would be born. Had they thoroughly examined this inquiry, the evangelist would have certainly pointed it out. It seems likely that the idea, ‘We do not know from where the Messiah will come,’ had not taken firm hold and was only in the minds of a few individuals. ‘For thus it is written by the prophet.’ The response is concise and definitive. The Sanhedrin does not reference any legends, of which there were many, likely because such tales had not yet gained prominence at that time. Herod was not associated with the Pharisees, who were particularly focused on tradition. A reading of the Gospel narratives concerning the earthly existence of Jesus Christ prior to His public ministry of redemption for humanity. The journey of the Magi and their adoration of Jesus Christ.

He inquires, feigning to be a fervent devotee of the God of Israel and the promised Messiah, and in return, he receives a straightforward and unmistakable response: THEY TOLD HIM: IN BETHLEHEM OF JUDAH. This answer definitively addresses the scholarly inquiry regarding the birthplace of Christ.

Moreover, they are so content with their response that they feel no need to seek further clarification on whether He has truly been born. Yet, the truth could not remain concealed, as it was well-known to every Jew (John 7:42), because it is clearly articulated in Sacred Scripture: FOR THESE things were written by the prophet Micah, seven hundred years prior to the reign of Herod.

Herod convened the entire Sanhedrin, comprised of all the chief priests and scholars of the people. This highest court had already endured much under his ruthless rule, and Herod's advancing age, along with his familial troubles, only heightened their suspicions. In this assembly, he directed a question to them, particularly focusing on the theologians and interpreters: Where should that great King, whom the people eagerly anticipate, be born? It was not hard to discern the motives behind the king's inquiry and the purpose behind his questioning. The arrival of the Messiah was significant to him, as it could pose a threat to his reign.

In Herod’s mind, a scheme to eliminate the newborn king quickly takes shape. He calls together the guardians of the law and inquires, "Where is Christ born?" They respond clearly that it is in Bethlehem of Judea, supporting their answer with a well-known Messianic prophecy from Micah. Then, he privately summons the wise men, wishing to keep his plans hidden from those around him, so they do not suspect his intentions and interfere with his plot. Herod seeks to learn from them the timing of the star's appearance. At this point, Herod is already contemplating the massacre of all male infants in Bethlehem, based on the timing of the star (v. 16), a notion that crystallized only after he felt humiliated by the Magi.

The prophecy by Micah regarding the birthplace of the Messiah was familiar to the scribes, who promptly directed Herod to Bethlehem.

To address this significant issue, Herod quickly gathered all the leading priests and scribes of the people and asked them, "Where is the Messiah to be born?" The knowledgeable Jewish scholars found it easy to respond, as the prophet Micah had explicitly foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).

In Bethlehem of Judea, as noted in Matthew 2:1, the Sanhedrin responds immediately, affirming the prophecy of Micah, who proclaimed over seven centuries prior (Micah 5:2) that the Messiah’s birthplace would be recognized as Bethlehem. Though the ancient text presents slight variations from the version referenced here, the fundamental implication regarding the Messiah's birthplace remains consistent.

According to St. John Chrysostom, the inquiry presented by the Magi contributed significantly to a profound understanding of the truth for both themselves and the Jewish people. This exchange allowed both foreigners and Jews to learn from one another, gaining remarkable insights. The Jews were informed by the wise men that even in Persia, the star signified the coming of Christ, while the Magi discovered from the Jews that the prophets had long predicted the arrival of the one heralded by the star.