Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days
of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it
rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was
troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and
scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained
from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem,
saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him,
bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the
king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it
rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going
into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and
worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and
frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed to their own country by another way.
Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise
men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem
and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time
that he had ascertained from the wise men.
