What does Matthew 2:1 mean?

Matthew identifies Jesus' birthplace as Bethlehem of Judea. We know from Luke's gospel that Joseph and Mary traveled from where they lived—Nazareth, in Israel's northern region of Galilee—to the small town of Bethlehem outside of Jerusalem. As a descendant of King David, Joseph had to report in at Bethlehem for the purpose of a required government census (Luke 2:1–4). The significance of Jesus' birth in this specific town is revealed in the following verses.

Jesus' birth occurred during the reign of King Herod, also called Herod the Great. Herod's kingship is entirely artificial. The Romans often installed a local ruler over people they had conquered. Under their authority, Herod ruled as king over Israel from 37–4 BC, according to most scholars. Jesus was born near the end of his reign.

Herod accomplished great things as king over Israel, including the restoration of the magnificent temple in Jerusalem. He was also ruthless, especially near the end of his life. He killed his wife, several sons, and many other relatives to protect his own power. His approach to news of a newborn "king of the Jews" will follow that pattern (Matthew 2:16–18).

We know very little about the wise men, sometimes called "Magi," who came from the east looking for the newborn king of the Jews. The New Testament describes them using the Greek term magoi. At this time in history, the word was used to describe those skilled in astrology, magic, interpreting dreams, and the like. Some were honest spiritual seekers, while others, apparently, became known as scam artists.

Scholars suggest that the "wise men" Matthew describes could have come from as far away as Babylon, Persia, or the Arabian desert.