It is not known who these wise men were. Their names and dwelling-place are alike kept back from us. We are only told that they came "from the East." Whether they were Chaldeans or Arabians we cannot say.

Observe in this passage, how true it is that the rulers of this world are seldom friendly to the cause of God.The Lord Jesus comes down from heaven to save sinners, and at once we are told that Herod the king "sought to destroy him." Greatness and riches are a perilous possession for the soul.