ESV Reformation Study Bible – Matt 2:1
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Matt 2:1

2:1 in the days of Herod the king. Herod the Great is known to have died in 4 b.c. Therefore Jesus was actually born in about 5 or 6 b.c. according to the standard dating of the Gregorian calendar.

wise men. The “Magi” were not kings, but priests or court advisers, such as Joseph or Daniel. They were probably from Mesopotamia, the region of ancient Babylon, although other locations east of Palestine have been suggested. There are numerous accounts of ancient astrologers interpreting astronomical phenomena as heralding the birth of kings.