Why did the Magi bring their particular gifts?
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary,
and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures
and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 2:11
The Magi or “wise men” (this latter name was popularized by the King James Version) from the east are a popular component of the Christmas story. They came to Jerusalem first, expecting the King of the Jews to be born in the capital. They met with King Herod, and he directed them six miles south to Bethlehem, since this was the prophesied location mentioned in the book of Micah (5:2). The Magi followed the star that led them to the place where the Savior was born. They presented the baby Jesus with three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh (although in reality, Jesus was actually a toddler by the time they visited). The fact that there were three gifts is probably why three Magi are represented in the Nativity. Why these three gifts?
I’m sure you are well familiar with gold. Frankincense is a gum-like substance that derives from the juice of a tree in the balsam family. It’s used primarily as perfume, medicine, and in religious ceremonies (Exodus 30:34-38). Myrrh is a valuable spice and perfume that also comes from a tree. It was used in embalming.
Why these three gifts is the question at hand. Here is what I believe is the primary reason. Exchanging of gifts was an Eastern custom, so this was not unusual (Genesis 43:11, 1 Samuel 9:7-8). Likewise in 1 Kings 10:1-13, we read that Queen Sheba visited from Arabia and gave King Solomon “120 talents of gold, large quantities of spices, and precious stones”. Also, in Isaiah 60, it mentions gold and incense as gifts brought from foreign lands to bless Jerusalem.
What are some other possible symbolic reasons? Some scholars believe the gold represented Jesus as the Coming King (Matthew 2:2). Frankincense was used in the temple, and Jesus is our High Priest (Hebrews 2:17). In John 19:38-42, we know that myrrh was used on the body of Jesus as He was prepared for the tomb. Was this gift from the Magi to foreshadow what was to come? In a practical sense, perhaps these three gifts were sold and helped to finance the family’s escape to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15).
This brief study into the Magi’s gifts is another great example of why we should not just read the Bible, but do our best to understand historical and cultural context from reliable resources. I hope you will make this practice a part of your study in the future.
Here is the best gift we can offer our King, High Priest, and Savior:
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy,
to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—
this is your true and proper worship.
Romans 12:1