The Star: A Powerful Prophetic Sign

The Star: A Powerful Prophetic Sign (Mt 2:1-12, 16-18)

Birth narratives of Jesus bring forth many powerful imageries and symbols. One among is the star from the east. Star from the east should be understood as a powerful Prophetic sign

OT Background. The Old Testament Background appears in Numbers 22-24. On their way from Egypt to Canaan, the Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, defeated the Amorites who were hindering their progress, and came to the borders of Moab. Having heard what happened to the Amorites, Balak, King of Moab, realized that he could not defeat the Israelites without supernatural help. He called on Balaam, a pagan magician who lived in Aram, in 'the mountains of the east' (23:7) to come to Moab to curse Israel and prophesy its destruction. Although the distance was great, since the remuneration was substantial Balaam saddled his donkey and took two servants with him. (22:22)

But on the way he had a conversion experience and came to believe in the God of Israel. So when he arrived in Moab, instead of cursing the Israelites he blessed them. When Balak protested, Balaam justified himself in five prophetic oracles and predicted a bright future for Israel. In the final oracle he says this: A star will come forth out of Jacob, a sceptre will arise from Israel. He will smite the warriors of Moab, and beat down all the sons of Sheth. Edom will be his by conquest. And Seir, his enemy, will become his. (24:17b-18a)

In the Jewish tradition, 'star' and 'sceptre' are interpreted as referring to a specific individual, to a king who will also be a saviour. The first time Israel saw this prophecy fulfilled in its history was in the reign of David. Later generations called the expected saviour the Messiah, who would be in the royal line of David.

Appearance of Star in Gospels. Luke describes that when the angel appeared to them the terrified shepherds saw a bright light in the night sky when 'the glory of the Lord shone round them'(Luke 2:9). In Matthew the sign given to the magi is even more specific - a star. (Matthew 2:2). Star became a prophetic sign during the time of Jesus and it proclaims many powerful truths. 

1.     End of the Ruling Elite The appearance of star foretold the coming of a New King. This new King will bring an end to the powerful ruling elite who persecute God’s own people. Star is the symbol of hope to the people who are engaging against all kind of evil powers of this world. It is a symbol of threat to all those who exercise their power to dominate, exploit, and trying to safeguard their interests than God’s will. 

2.   Arrival of the Messiah The appearance of the star explicitly portrayed the truth that birth of the Messiah is at hand and get ready to receive the Messiah. A Jewish king seeks to kill Jesus, but three gentiles worship him (Matthew 2: 7-18). 

3.   Dawn of a New Era Star prophesies the dawn of a New Kingdom, a new era in the human history. Jesus said, “Therefore, I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you, and given to a nation that yields the proper fruit” (Matt 21:43). In this Kingdom God the just RULER will receive who lived for peace, justice and reconciliation and also reject the people who are in the side of darkness and death.  

While we put stars, do we expect a new ruler in our imaginations, daily lives, decisions, discourses, in public life? 

Whose side we are? With ruling elites or with the people who are thirsting for life?

Jesus says, “Therefore, I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you, and given to a nation that yields the proper fruit”