Catholic Thought discussion
The Mystery of the Magi
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Chapters 7 thru 9
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I find the argument compelling. I would be very interested to read some friendly counter-arguments. I wonder why these ideas aren't more commonplace.
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I agree Casey. I think what Longenecker proposes is very likely. If you find any counter arguments, please post them here.
Well I guess the thing is that everyone just sweeps it away so I don't see any counter-arguments. In this interview, Fr. Longnecker himself admits he was surprised to find nobody had written this story prior to him. "Who were the Three Wise Men? A priest’s quest for the truth – Catholic World Report" https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2... Seems like a very basic, obvious, literal interpretation and nobody seems to have looked into it at all. Odd for a story that is so prominent in our imaginations.
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I had never heard of the Nabateans before either. Nor about the commercial value of the gifts--I'd always heard the symbolism, though. Seems Longenecker has given a very thoroughly researched explanation, and thankfully it doesn't blast any of our significant traditions about the Wise Men.
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It is rather interesting. Though I would say we shouldn't overlook that this is one of these both/and situations. The commercial significance of the gifts became the theological and symbolic gifts once they came in contact with Christ.
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I agree. The same thought came to me as I read it. I suspect Fr. Longenecker would agree too.
Chapter 7, “Prophesies or Predictions”
Here Longenecker explores whether the Magi visit to the Christ child are a fulfillment of an Ol Testament prophesy, as many events in Matthew’s Gospel. First Longenecker provides distinguishing criteria between a prophesy—a supernatural glimpse into the future—and a prediction—a logical forecast based on common sense. Longenecker address the prophesy and/or predictions of Balaam (Nu 24:17), the Wisdom tradition, the various chapters of the Book of Isaiah, and from texts from the Dead Sea scrolls. Longenecker concludes that the Nabatean wise men must have been familiar with some of these prophesies.
Chapter 8, “The Herod Connection”
Here Longenecker explores the context of Herod the Great to the Magi story. First Longenecker provides the background as to how the Nabateans evolved from a nomadic culture to a settled civilization, tracing the melting pot of northern Arabian cultures in the sixth century BC. By the first century BC, the Middle East was wrought with rival monarchies and civil wars. The Hasmonean dynasty came to rule Judea as a sort of client king under the Rome. Herod’s family traces roots to several of the northern Arabian cultures, and his mother was a Nabatean princess married to the neighboring ruler of Judea, Herod’s father Antipater. Herod even spent a good deal of time raised at the Nabatean court when Antipater sent his wife and children to his wife’s family when a rival was looking to unseat Antipater. Herod eventually took over as king of Judea through shrewd maneuverings between the Roman and Nabatean rivalry. By the time of Jesus’ birth, the Nabateans were seeking the good graces of Herod and had every reason to send envoys to the King of Judea.
Chapter 9, “The Three Treasures”
Here Longenecker provides the context and significance of the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh given to the Christ child. First Longenecker de-mythicizes the theological significance of gold for Christ’s kingship, frankincense for Christ’s priesthood, and myrrh for Christ’s sacrificial death. While the three gifts carry such symbolism, it is more likely that they were selected because they were precious commodities found mostly in the Nabatean kingdom. Longenecker also spends some space explaining the use of camels and the significance of homage and worship the Magi gave to the new born king.