12-23-23 To Roeh Israel Abilene – VaYigash – “and [Judah] drew near” Torah Portion; Gen 44:18 – 47:27
Haftarah: Ezekiel 37:15-28
Suggested Acheron K’tuvim: Matt 2:1-12
The Star of Bethlehem
Central question of this message: Was it really a hot thing in the sky?
Today’s Torah portion is VaYigash, which means “and drew near (referring to Judah).” Its name comes from the first Hebrew word in the passage (and the first three words in the English translation, below).
Gen 44:18-21
18 Then Judah approached him, and said, "Oh my lord, may
your servant please speak a word in my lord's ears, and do not be angry with your servant; for you are equal to Pharaoh.
19 My lord asked his servants, saying, 'Have you a father or a brother?' 20 "And we said to my lord, 'We have an old father
and a little child of his old age. Now his brother is dead, so he alone is left of his mother, and his father loves him.
In today’s parasha we see the return of the brothers to Egypt and the plea of Judah to be permitted to remain as the slave of Yoseph in the
place of his brother. That level of self-sacrifice touched Yoseph, probably because it is the opposite of the attitude that Judah expressed back when Yoseph was stripped of his special cloak, and thrown into a hole to die many years before.
Then Yoseph was so moved with the realization that his brothers had made a 180-degree turn in their dedication to family, that Yoseph could no longer hold back tears.
Yoseph tells them that they had intended their actions for evil, but G-d turned them to good, because now Yoseph has the penultimate power in all of Egypt. Pharaoh sends the brothers back to fetch the father and all his relatives. Pharaoh promises that this family will be given the best of the land in Egypt. And 70 came into Egypt, or so says the Masoretic text.
The antimissionaries1 insist that the “Christian Bible” misrepresents the number of those who went down into Egypt, since it reports 75 went down. That reference is found in Acts 7.
Acts 7:13-15
1 Those Jews who work hard to try to convince Jews that Yeshua is not Messiah, and that Christianity is a false religion.
13 "On the second visit Joseph made himself known to his
brothers, and Joseph's family was disclosed to Pharaoh. 14 "Then Joseph sent word and invited Jacob his father and all his relatives to come to him, seventy-five persons in all.
These antimissionaries declare that since the Torah is clear that only 70 persons went down into Egypt, then the account in Acts is wrong, and if Christians can’t get this one simple number right, then why should we trust anything they tell us?
So, which is right Masoretic text, or Acts account? We can break this tie with a parallel passage in another text. Let’s look at the Septuagint, which was the result of the 70 rabbis who translated the Torah from Hebrew into Greek for entry into the Royal Library at Alexandria being established by Ptolemy II.
So, it seems that the Septuagint, which was created in the 3rd century BCE might be more authentic and accurate than the Masoretic version created some 1000 years later. At least it does agree with the account we find in Acts 7.
But I wish to address one
myth that is prominent in
Christianity regarding the
“star of Bethlehem.” The
popular depiction of this
“star” is as a bright thing in
the evening sky, clearly in
outer space. It is depicted as leading the “wise men” from the east to the place where Yeshua was lying as a newborn child.
Then, they presume
that this “star”
somehow indicated
precisely the place
where the Messiah
was lying, by some
unstated
mechanism, from a great distance into space.
I have seen various efforts over the years by sweet believers to “prove” the “star”, and thus give credence to the biblical account. All have fallen short, ultimately.
This is because all began with a faulty premise – that the “Star of Bethlehem” was a bright thing in the sky which could be seen by anyone in the night sky.
I have seen extended arguments in favor of:
1. a supernova
2. conjunction of planets
3. a comet
4. a meteor
5. UFOs
4. But not swamp gas (and I suspect that this too is coming).
Most of the problem has come from the fact that Christians have approached scripture with their own theology, and their own terminology. And that has become a filter through which they must reconcile all that they read.
The idea that the star was a bright heavenly body has evolved for generations. It’s even memorialized in old hymns, which have laid successive layers of this error in the hearts of sweet believers.
It seems that people today are quite offended when I suggested to them that the star wasn’t really a “star” – meaning any bright thing in the sky.
Their faces show clearly that they believe my assertion to be nothing less than heresy.
Let me be quick to say that I don’t need astronomy (either ancient or modern) to prove Yeshua’s birth. I have Scripture, and 5000 years of my people’s wisdom to draw upon. Further, I have had a personal encounter with G-d. I know Yeshua is the savior, and messiah.
I also have a little bit of experience trying to navigate upon the earth. I spent many years as an army infantryman. As part of those times, my units operated mostly at night. We rested during the daytime, as others of our brothers fought.
Then, when night fell, my unit would “gear-up” and seek out the bad guys as they were trying to recover from a difficult day. We intended to make their night even more difficult.
In conjunction with those efforts, I was required to do a large amount of night land navigation, armed only with a compass and a map (if I was lucky). I tried a number of techniques to learn any shortcut to this laborintensive task.
One thing I learned very quickly is that I could not follow a star in the sky to navigate at night. Only one star does not have apparent movement at night – the north star. You can follow the north star faithfully in only one direction. North.
But I don’t need my Army experience to support my opinion of what the “Star of Bethlehem” actually was. I can prove it by Scripture. To do that, we need to go back to the time of Nebuchadnezzar.
You remember that there were three Jewish boys who defied the king.
Dan 1:7
7 Then the commander of the officials assigned new names
to them; and to Daniel he assigned the name Belteshazzar, to Hananiah Shadrach, to Mishael Meshach, and to Azariah
Abed-nego.
And after they prevailed through the fire of the execution ovens…
Dan 3:28-30
28 Nebuchadnezzar responded and said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, who has sent His
angel and delivered His servants who put their trust in Him, violating the king's command, and yielded up their bodies so as not to serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 "Therefore, I make a decree that any people, nation or tongue that speaks anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego shall be torn limb from limb and
their houses reduced to a rubbish heap, inasmuch as there is no other god who is able to deliver in this way." 30 Then the king caused Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego to prosper in the province of Babylon.
After Daniel was elevated to a position of rulership in Babylon, he taught the people there the Torah. Here is part of what they knew.
Num 24:17-19
17 "I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near;
A star shall come forth from Jacob,
And a scepter shall rise from Israel,
And shall crush through the forehead of Moab,
And tear down all the sons of Sheth.
18 "And Edom shall be a possession,
Seir, its enemies, also shall be a possession,
While Israel performs valiantly.
19 "One from Jacob shall have dominion,
And shall destroy the remnant from the city."
They didn’t have the writings of the prophets yet. That would happen before the time of Yeshua, though.
Matt 2:1-12
2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the
days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 "Where is He who has been born King
of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him."
What do we know about those men?
1. These men were Torah-readers, because of Daniel.
2. They knew that the Messiah would come to the Jews
3. They didn’t know where He was to be born
4. They knew to ask the rulers in the capital city, Jerusalem
5. They identified the messenger they followed as “His star”, not
merely “a star.”
Now, let’s continue with Matthew’s account…
3 And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
What do we know about Herod?
1. Herod was a violent ruler. He killed his family to secure his throne.
2. He was not likely to give up his throne easily. The people in Jerusalem knew that, so they were troubled.
Continue with the passage …
4 And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he began to inquire of them where the Christ was to be born.
We can see more information, now…
1. Herod had not seen any star, nor had anyone in the region.
2. Herod knew that the Messiah would be king of the Jews.
3. Herod knew that there was prophecy about where Messiah would be born. He knew that the priests should know the answer because they were readers of Torah, and also the scribes, the writers of Torah, would know.
Continuing with the passage …
5 And they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet,
6 'And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah;
For out of you shall come forth a Ruler,
Who will shepherd My people Israel.'" (quoting Micah 5:2)
7 Then Herod secretly called the magi, and ascertained from them the time the star appeared.
What do we now know?
1. We have further proof that neither Herod nor anyone else in the area had seen this “star.”
2. Herod didn’t know when they had seen the “star”, so he asked.
That was important to him, because it would give him the
approximate age of the child. He needed to know the maximum age of the boys he was going to need to murder. He didn’t want to kill all the boys of all ages. That’s not efficient, and would cause an uprising against his throne.
3. Herod knew he needed to trick these foreigners into telling him where to go, because the people of Jerusalem knew the treachery of Herod, and they would not be helpful.
4. The trip of the Magi from “the east”, most probably Babylon, had taken some time, probably months, or even up to two years.
The route is not directly across from east to west, because of the Euphrates River. According to Gen 11:31, the route that Terah and Abraham took from that same area was first to the north (to get around the river) to the southern border of what is Turkey today, then southwest to Jerusalem. If this “star” were a hot thing in the
sky, how could they follow it first north, then southwest? And wouldn’t it have been such a remarkable sight that everyone in the region would take notice, including Herod and his court.
Back to the passage …
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, "Go and make
careful search for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, that I too may come and worship Him."
What now can we conclude?
1. There was nothing in the sky to give Herod or the other people in the region a hint as to precisely where in Bethlehem the family was still living. If there were, Herod would have sent his own trusted spies. He was stuck with the visitors from the east. The city of Beit Lechem was likely crowded and every available space was filled because of the census.
Back to the passage …
9 And having heard the king, they went their way; and lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was.
And now we see more…
1. The “star” seems to have disappeared while they were speaking with Herod, and didn’t appear again until they left Jerusalem and headed south to Bethlehem.
2. The “star” led them in a specific pathway, because they were unfamiliar with that part of the world.
3. The “star” finally stopped and “stood” over where the child was. Is the description of a star “standing” figurative, or does it better describe a being who has legs, and actually can stand upon (or over) a roof?
More of the passage…
10 And when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly
with great joy.
1. These magi rejoiced. Why? They had not been abandoned by the star, and it had led them specifically to the very place where Yeshua lay.
2. They already knew they were going to Bethlehem. But they were happy because their guide would save them from asking everyone there about a child which by this time might be two years old or older. They just got to follow the guide.
More of the passage …
11 And they came into the house and saw the Child with
Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him;
and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been
warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, they
departed for their own country by another way.
What do we see here?
1. There were three gifts. We don’t know how many “wise men” there were. The Christian tradition has paired a “wise man” with each of the three gifts.
An account in Luke speaks of a much earlier time, the time that Yeshua was born. The visitation of the men from the east came significantly later in time. But what we see in the Luke passage sheds much light on our question.
Luke 2:1-21
2 Now it came about in those days that a decree went out
from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the
inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while
Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all were proceeding to register for the census, everyone to his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6 And it came about that while they were
there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
This all happened before the passage in Matthew begins. Bethlehem was not their actual home. And now we find something that gives us a bit more of the picture regarding angels.
8 And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were
terribly frightened.
This passage gives us important information as well.
1. The angel appeared suddenly (not like a star or other natural phenomenon in the sky).
2. The “glory of the L-rd” was around them.
3. They were very frightened.
Back to the passage…
10 And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people;
We see more…
1. The angel spoke to them in Hebrew
2. These shepherds were commissioned as prophets to announce the gospel to all the people. It is important to note that shepherds were not to be witnesses in court, because they were not believable under oath. This is because they took their flocks over the lands of others, and the sheep stole the grass as they crossed, thus shepherds were considered “thieves”, and unfit to be credible witnesses.
Back to the passage …
11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
And we see now…
1. It happened in Bethlehem (City of David).
2. Born “today”
3. Born for you
4. Savior (Yeshua means “salvation”).
5. He is the King Messiah that our people had been awaiting.
More from the passage…
12 "And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger."
We see more…
1. They will identify the child by a sign
2. Baby will be wrapped in “cloths” (actually, burial cloths).
3. Lying in a feed trough.
4. Since conditions 2 and 3 are very unlikely, there can be only
one child that fulfills these requirements in Beit Lechem.
Back to the passage…
13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
1. Again, the others appear suddenly. It seems that the angels were there all along, but couldn’t be seen until they chose to “appear” to these men.
2. Those beings who suddenly appear are also angels, but are described as the “heavenly host” (better translated as the “army of heaven”).
More from the passage …
14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."
15 And it came about when the angels had gone away from
them into heaven, that the shepherds began saying to one
another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to
us."
We now see more…
1. The angels disappeared quickly as well.
2. The shepherds needed no further convincing, and wished to go see this amazing child.
More from the passage…
16 And they came in haste and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 And when they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.
We can now see..
1. They came in a hurry
2. The sign was as the angel said it would be
3. The shepherds told Joseph and Mary what they had seen and heard
4. Although all this happened near Beit Lechem, nobody else saw what they saw, and they had to report it to Mary and Joseph, and the others there.
More of the passage…
18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured up all
these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the
shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. 21 And when eight days were completed before His circumcision,
His name was then called Jesus (actually, Yeshua), the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
What do we now know?
1. This all happened within the first few days of the child’s life.
2. Yeshua was named on the 8th day… just like all Jewish
boys at his bris.
So, it is clear so far that what these shepherds were seeing could not have been a shining thing in the night sky that all could see. The account clearly identifies the beings as angels.
But maybe a couple of years later, did the visitors from the east see something different than what the shepherds saw?
All we can be certain of is that the “star” that the eastern visitors followed appeared only to them, changed directions frequently, stayed with them for a very long journey, and appeared and disappeared on at least one occasion. And one other thing we can surmise is this - Since the visitors traveled by day through unfamiliar territory, they could follow this “star” easily in daylight.
Are there other hints in Scripture regarding such a heavenly guide?
Rev 1:12-20
12 And I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me.
And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; 13 and in the middle of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His breast with a golden girdle. 14 And His head and His hair were
white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire; 15 and His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been caused to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. 16 And in His right hand He held seven stars; and out of His mouth came a sharp twoedged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as a dead man. And He laid His right hand upon me, saying, "Do not
be afraid; I am the first and the last, 18 and the living One;
and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades. 19 "Write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall take place after these things. 20 "As for
the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right
hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
In
synagogues,
it is
customary
to have a
prominent
six-sided
star on the
building.
Sometimes
on the
outside, and
sometimes
inside. That
is because the
Jewish people
believe that
the Star of David also represents the “star”, the angel, of that congregation.
We see more about “stars” of heaven being angels, in the book of Job, beginning in chapter 38, where G-d begins to speak to him for the first time after this trial began.
Job 38:1-7
38 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and
said,
2 "Who is this that darkens counsel
By words without knowledge?
3 "Now gird up your loins like a man,
And I will ask you, and you instruct Me!
4 "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding,
5 Who set its measurements, since you know?
Or who stretched the line on it?
6 "On what were its bases sunk?
Or who laid its cornerstone,
7 When the morning stars sang together,
And all the sons of God shouted for joy?
It it merely poetic language, describing the “morning stars” singing together? Or might it describe a special class of angels who formed a celestial choir singing praises to G-d for His work of creation?
Rev 9:1-2
9 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from heaven which had fallen to the earth; and the key of the bottomless pit was given to him.
Isa 14:12-14
12 "How you have fallen from heaven,
O star of the morning, son of the dawn!
You have been cut down to the earth,
You who have weakened the nations!
13 "But you said in your heart,
'I will ascend to heaven;
I will raise my throne above the stars of God,
And I will sit on the mount of assembly
In the recesses of the north.
14 'I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.'
Rev 12:3-4
And another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems. 4 And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven, and threw them to the earth.
If a third of all the burning suns in space even came within the orbit of our sun (which is rather small by comparison to most stars) all that we know would have been quicky incinerated. So, this passage is clear that it does not speak of suns in space, which we call “stars.”
Does it help our analysis if I tell you that the ancients thought that the stars of heaven represented angels? What if I told you that the Hebrew word for “star” is often interpreted to mean “angel”.
Let’s see what an angel can do that a hot thing in the sky cannot:
Angels can…
1. appear to a small group of people in different places at different times.
2. be personal to any one person.
3. hover close to the ground, or even walk on the ground, in a way that allows the angel to be closely followed from one place to another by a small group of people.
4. disappear and reappear instantly.
5. Change directions from heading north, to southwest, to south.
6. come to hover closely over, or even stand over, one particular house so that only the ones following can see.
So, now that you know the truth, please be patient with those sweet ones who still are enamored by the concept of something in the night sky that shines so brightly that it must be “special.”
Don’t be disappointed in them, when they put
a star on top of their Christmas trees. They are
doing the best that they can, with what they
know. Love them with the love of G-d,
because when you were giving your best effort
to love G-d in the best way that you knew –
although you today know it was in error at that
time – your heart still made G-d smile.
Let’s let love for G-d and for one another be our banner as we unite with other believers in our communities to celebrate the love of G-d coming to Earth, becoming a baby, and living among us to show us by His life what He had been trying to tell us for generations about living a holy life bathed in love for one another.
