002:001 Now after the birth of Jesus, which took place at Bethlehem
in Judaea in the reign of King Herod, excitement was produced
in Jerusalem by the arrival of certain Magi from the east,
002:002 inquiring, "Where is the newly born king of the Jews? For we
have seen his Star in the east, and have come here to
do him homage."
002:003 Reports of this soon reached the king, and greatly agitated
not only him but all the people of Jerusalem.
002:004 So he assembled all the High Priests and Scribes of the people,
and anxiously asked them where the Christ was to be born.
002:005 "At Bethlehem in Judaea," they replied; "for so it stands
written in the words of the Prophet,
002:006 "`And thou, Bethlehem in the land of Judah, by no means the least honorable art thou among princely places in Judah! For from thee shall come a prince—one who shall be the Shepherd of My People Israel.'"
002:007 Thereupon Herod sent privately for the Magi and ascertained from them the exact time of the star's appearing.
002:008 He then directed them to go to Bethlehem, adding, "Go and make
careful inquiry about the child, and when you have found him,
bring me word, that I too may come and do him homage."
002:009 After hearing what the king said, they went to Bethlehem, while,
strange to say, the star they had seen in the east led them
on until it came and stood over the place where the babe was.
002:010 When they saw the star, the sight filled them with intense joy.