STAR OF BETHLEHEM: HEAVENLY LIGHT
“After Jesus was born in Judea during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east (also translated: at its rising) and have come to worship him.’” (Matthew 2:1-2, NIV)
Over the years many scholars, theologians and astronomers have questioned what the Magi meant when they said that they saw his star. There has been no true consensus and for many it comes down to a simple matter of faith. It has been theorized to be any number of sky phenomena with a meteor, a comet, a nova or supernova, or a miracle radiance as the most popular. While these cannot be entirely discounted, they are not likely “the star.”
The reason most of these can be ruled out comes later in the narrative: “After they (Magi) had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.” (Matt. 2:9)
Basically, they saw his star in the east and traveled to Jerusalem from their place in Babylon or Persia with the star going before them. The star was in the night sky when they came to Herod in Jerusalem and continued as they then journeyed to Bethlehem. This would rule out a meteor and comet because they are short in duration and a nova/supernova are stationary in the sky. It is probably not a miracle star as this would have been likely seen by all and Herod and his advisors were unaware of this star. “Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.” (Matt. 2:7)
The answer lies with the Magi. There is much information and unfortunately misinformation on who the Magi were and where they came from. A popular church view of the Magi are of Three Wise Men or Three Kings from the east who saw a royal star (miracle) in the sky that they followed to Bethlehem and came to worship the Christ child. There are three men to represent the three gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The gold is to crown him king, the frankincense is for worship, and the myrrh anticipates his death. They traversed from afar on camels to dispense their royal duties and returned never to be heard from again.
The importance of the Magi to the church lies in the role that they played in the Christmas story: they came as gentile worshipers of God’s son. It heralds the coming acceptance of Christianity by non-Jews. This in turn established the Gentile custom of gift giving on Christmas. Jewish traditions remained with the non-believing Jews and Gentile traditions were merged with Christmas traditions. The story of the Magi is integral to the Christmas customs of worship, gift giving and the star miracle.
It is not known if the Magi were kings of the Orient (east) or not, but this could have come about because of Isaiah 60: 3, “And the Gentiles (Nations) shall come to thy Light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising (dawn).” Jesus is the Light and all will come to Him and to the brightness of the rising star (Morning Star). In a symbolic way, the Magi led the way as Gentiles and kings of their peoples for their wisdom (Wise Men) in acknowledging the true King Of kings.
They can also be seen in a negative light as magi is the root word for magic. Some Magi were known to use practices that are banned in the bible. A king’s court could have astrologers, enchanters, conjurors and sorcerers. A prohibition on astrology could explain why no one in Judea was aware of the star. This is also a reason the astrological aspect of the story is downplayed.
They were ancient astrologers, yet the astrology that the Magi of Herod’s time employed had evolved over the years. It had a decidedly Greek influence and thus the Magi were also representing the West as well as the East. Therefore the Magi can be seen as representing those that would later embrace Christianity and spread it east and west.
The most credible information about the Magi is that they were originally from a priestly tribe of the Medes (today's Kurds), a sect that could date back as far as to the Akkadians. Their role (that changed over time) can be likened to that of the Levites of ancient Israel. They were priests and advisors to kings that had exceptional religious and governmental knowledge. They were known as dream interpreters and later became renowned as readers of the stars (astrologers/astronomers).
Their influence spread to the lands around them far and wide and they came to serve in the courts of the empires of Babylon and Persia. The Magi also have a history with the Chaldeans, Zoroastrians, and Greek astrologers. Much of what is known about the Magi comes from the time of the Greek Empire.
The history of their belief in the stars as harbingers of royalty or royal births could date back to the time of Daniel in King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon’s court. Daniel gained prominence because of his interpretation of the king’s dream when no one in the court could do what the king asked. The king had threatened to kill all advisers (incl. the Magi) and they were saved when God gave Daniel the answer. He earned their respect and was probably made Rab-Mage (also, magu-pati), Head (chief) of the Magi.
“Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and place him in charge of all its wise men. Moreover, at Daniel’s request the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego administrators over the province of Babylon, while Daniel himself remained at the royal court.” (Dan. 2: 49-49)
It can be assumed that Daniel shared his faith with the Magi and passed on to them his visions of the prophecies of the Jewish Messiah. The prophecy of the “seventy sevens” when interpreted told of the time of the king to come, the Anointed One (Dan. 9: 20-26). There are different ways to calculate the “seventy sevens” but one that is likely correct has 3 BC as the time of birth. Magi would have been in the court of Cyrus king of Persia when the decree was given to begin the countdown and would have recorded this date. The Magi would have known when to look to the stars for the sign of the birth and of the importance of his divine kingly role.
The Magi that came to the court of Herod could have been of a sect established by Daniel. They more than likely had a set of archives to research when they saw the star. They could have believed that Herod was aware of the birth given that he had the same or similar prophecies to work with. It is also likely that Babylonian Jews joined the magi because of Daniel. One or more Magi that came to worship the Christ child could have descended from Babylonian Jews.
At the time of Jesus’ birth the Magi were in the east, the lands controlled by Parthia: Mesopotamia (Babylon, Media; today's Iraq), Persia (today's Iran), and Bactria (today's Afghanistan). Parthia was still a powerful empire at the time who had successfully stopped the advance of the Roman Empire in the past, defeating them in decisive battles. The Magi had such power in the Parthian court that they were king makers and kings. One of the titles for a Parthian ruler was “King of Kings.” However, the court of Parthia was in turmoil at this time with conflicting records of the succession of kings. This is the political backdrop that the Magi came out of.
In 40 BC the Parthians conquered the Roman controlled Near East (Syria, Palestine). Herod was a governor in Palestine at the time and he fled, fearing capture. He eventually made his way to Rome where he secured the help of Mark Antony to retake the land and was made king of Judea by the Roman Senate. Surely he remembered this when the Magi from Parthia came to worship the child born king of the Jews. “When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all of Jerusalem with him.” (Matt. 2:3)
Most bible commentators record that Herod was disturbed because of his fear of a usurper of his throne. While this is true, it cannot be that he was just afraid of a child, but that he was afraid of Parthia. Herod had to be concerned by their unexpected arrival as they could be an advance force for a possible political overthrow or invasion. However, their coming to honor the birth of a king was to be expected. They were court ambassadors that traveled to honor dignitaries.
When the Magi came to Judea it was with much pomp and ceremony and it can be assumed that they had a military escort. The exact number of the Magi is not known but it is logical to assume more than three and as many as twelve. It is not known exactly where they hailed from but the depicted manner of their dress suggests Persia (Parthia).
Herod and his court of advisors were not aware of the sign of the birth but it is wrong to assume that it was completely unexpected. There was a general belief at the time of a prophesied birth of a great ruler. The Romans were aware of this but many believed it was fulfilled with Octavian known as Augustus Caesar, the first Roman Emperor. Yet, the prophecy was for the ruler to come out of Judea and to rule from the east. According to the Jewish historian Josephus the Jews believed that Daniel’s prophecy would be fulfilled around this time.
So what was the sign that started the Magi on their journey west? I believe that it was a conjunction of two planets that were so close that they appeared to be one bright and shining star. In ancient days there was no distinction of planets as different from stars except they appeared to wander in the sky. So the description in Matthew of a “star” is not necessarily of a fixed star or sun. The determination of a conjunction as the star is not new but the question is which planets at what time. Part of the answer lies with Herod and the time of his death as this helps to establish the probable timeline.
There is an on-going debate as to the year in which Herod died. The long accepted date by scholars is 4 BC. However, a 1 BC date is now believed to be the correct one based on new research. A starting point for this debate comes from Jewish historian Josephus who wrote that a lunar eclipse occurred before he died, followed by a Passover. The 4 BC date is based on a partial eclipse on March 12-13, 4 BC, while there were two total eclipses in 1 BC, January 10 and December 29.
The Jan. 10 lunar eclipse is the most likely based on the time of a Passover that followed his death and the necessary time needed for burial in between. Also, early copies of Josephus’ writings have a 1 BC date for Herod’s death that was changed to 4 BC for some unknown reason. The Dec. 29 date means that he would have died in 1 AD, which is unlikely.
There are other reasons that scholars use for the debate but I encourage self-research as this not my focus in writing of these events. There are numerous sites that give detailed reasons behind their belief in the dating of Jesus’ birth and Herod’s death. I am giving my belief of the correct times based on what is most logical. I have not listed any sites as it is difficult to ascertain who came up with the dates and arguments originally. I have not listed the many arguments for my conclusions as these have been done by many others who are better skilled at this than I am. I encourage all to come to their own conclusions as this is important to understanding the time of the end. The following astronomical dates can be found on numerous sites, publications and SKYMAP.
A conjunction of Jupiter, the king, and Venus, the mother, would have been seen in the east by the Magi on August 12, 3 BC. They were close enough to appear as a bright and shining light and they believed that this was the sign that they were waiting for. This was only the beginning of a virtual stellar theater to follow. Whether or not they could have calculated what was to come is not known but is likely. Having checked the archives they would have known the timing to be right.
The following is a list of the major astrological events that occurred at the time of Christ’s birth. I am giving my interpretation of these events as signs in the heavens:
August 12, 3 BC – close conjunction of Jupiter and Venus visible “in the east” (at its rising) in the morning hour of 8:20 AM. The two planets (stars) were close but did not meet in this rising seen in the eastern sky. It is also the heliacal rising of Jupiter (rising in the dawn at the same time as the Sun). This meeting of the two morning stars of Jupiter and Venus took place in the kingly constellation of Leo the Lion. This constellation is associated with Judah, symbolized as a lion. This is the sign that the Magi saw that alerted them to an important event that was to take place.
As trained stargazers, the Magi would have questioned whether or not this was the sign of a birth or a presage to the actual time of birth. If they saw it as a presage, they would have felt the need to wait for another sign or for some confirmation of the birth. They would have studied the records for guidance or drawn up a horoscope to determine the time of birth or a regal portent. The Sun, Moon, and Jupiter are important in regal horoscopes. Also, they would have made projections of the star’s movement in the sky before they made any plans to journey afar.
The Magi could have consulted learned Jews about the prophecy of their Messiah. However, it is possible that they received a sign from God in the form of a dream or vision that this heralded the birth of the Anointed One (Messiah), the ruler to come of Daniel’s vision. This is possible as they were later told by God in a dream not to return to Herod.
September 11, 3 BC – Jupiter, the King in close proximity with Regulus, the King Star of the Kingly constellation of Leo the Lion (Lion of Judah). The Sun is on the clothes of the constellation of Virgo, the Virgin and a New Moon is at the feet of Virgo. Venus is on Virgo’s face and Mercury is in Virgo’s chest. There is a crown of twelve stars around Virgo’s head, however, Leo sits above Virgo and can also be seen as crowning her with Jupiter.
This is a description of Revelation 12: 1-2, “A great and wondrous sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth.”
This is the sign for the birth of Jesus. It is not known if this is the actual day, but it is logical to assume it is. This means that Jesus would have been conceived in December of 4 BC, possibly at the time of Hanukkah (Chanukah). This is known as the Feast of Dedication to celebrate the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. It is also the eight-day festival of light that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. It is to be expected that God would use Jewish holy days as symbols for the Holy One of Israel and as the Lion of Judah.
There are reasons to support that this is the day. On the Jewish calendar the New Moon is the first day of a new month, and this is the first day of the Jewish New Year that is now called Rosh Hashanah (literally, head of the year). The New Year is considered to be the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve: the first man Adam with Jesus as the “second” Adam.
Biblically, this holiday is Yom Teruah (day of shouting) or Feast of Trumpets, the first of the High Holy Days (Days of Awe). The customs include sounding the shofar (Ram’s horn) which can be seen as announcing the birth of the King of the Jews.
The strongest theme of the prayers recited on Rosh Hashanah is the coronation of God as King of the universe in preparation for the acceptance of judgments that will follow on that day: Jesus is the king that will one day judge all mankind. Jupiter in Hebrew is Zedek which means justice or righteousness.
Zedek can be found in the name of the king of Salem (Jerusalem) in Abraham's day: Melchizedek which translates as "my king is Zedek" or "my king is the god Zedek." In Hebrew the name is written as two words: Malki-sedeq (also Meleki-sedeq). Malki means "my king" and sedeq (zedek) means righteousness with the literal translation of "my king is righteousness." (Genesis 14:18-20)
Melchizedek was also a priest of El Elyon (God Most High). Zedek (Jupiter) is the star (planet) that rises to be the most high in the sky. Venus is the brightest planet followed by Jupiter's light but it does not rise up high to be most high. It is logical to assume that Melchizedek is a title that means the king's King is Zedek as represented by the star that that rises up to be most high in the heavens. Zedek is thus King of kings and God Most High. (see Psalms 110:4 and Hebrews 5:6-10, 7:15-17)
This association of the "star" Zedek with Melchizedek and the Jews could have been known to the Magi by way of their history with Daniel. This would have re-enforced the idea that Zedek (Jupiter) was his star pointing to a King of Righteousness to be born in Canaan. As Melchizedek was king of Salem (Jerusalem), they would have traveled to Jerusalem to find the one born King of the Jews.
This sign in the heavens on September 11, 3 BC on a clear day would have been partially visible at dawn and then at dusk as the Sun would have obscured most of it. The Moon would have been at the feet of Virgo in the morning and under her feet at night but in the next constellation. This could mean that the actual sign took place during the day or near sundown but was not seen as the sun totally obscured (clothed) the Virgo constellation. The Magi could have been aware of it by calculations or by divine guidance. However, it is doubtful that they would have recognized this as the actual time of the birth of Christ. It is more likely that they saw Jupiter in Leo near Regulus as a sign of his birth.
The designation of the Magi as the Three Kings of the Orient could be a reference to the three kingly aspects of this sign: Jupiter is the King planet (star), Leo, the King constellation, and Regulus, the King Star. This acknowledgement is probably unintended but could have historical credence.
In Astrology the Moon’s glyph, the crescent, is seen by many as the container of life. In essence, it represents the fertile womb offering itself up to be impregnated by the Sun’s seed (from the book, The Instant Astrologer). Also, Virgo the Virgin represents Creation. The Magi as astrologers would have recognized the symbolism of this sign in the heavens.
Also in Astrology, Venus as the only female planet represents the Mother and is called the Queen of Heaven. Venus in the position of being on Virgo’s face could be seen as identifying her as being a mother and a queen. Mercury is the ruling planet of Virgo and is known from ancient times as the messenger of the gods. In its position of being in Virgo’s chest near her heart Mercury can be seen as announcing the heartfelt importance of the birth of this king.
Later in the Book of Revelation Christ is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah (5:5). This indicates that it should be expected to see his birth associated with the constellation of Leo the Lion astronomically.
November, 3 BC – Jupiter, Venus, Mercury and Mars in Leo. The magi would have seen this as confirmation that something important took place. More important was the occultation of Regulus by the Moon (moon passed in front of the star). This was a sign of kingship to ancient astrologers.
December 1, 3 BC – Jupiter stops and begins annual retrograde motion (appears to head west in the night sky). Jupiter is the King planet and could be seen as “the star.”
To the ancients Jupiter or any planet (known as a wandering star) that rose in the morning before the Sun was a morning star. Today only Venus is considered to be the morning star or day star as it regularly appears before dawn to herald the coming Sun.
Jesus’ declaration to being the Morning Star could be a reference to the star in the east that heralded the birth of the King of the Jews.
Christ is described as a morning star: “And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:19)
Jesus says in Revelation 2:28, “I will also give him (who overcomes and does my will till the end) the morning star.”
What Jesus is saying is that he will give those that overcome an everlasting light to shine in the darkness. The morning star shines in the night sky as dawn's early light to illuminate at the end of darkness and to herald the coming light of the Sun. Jesus is the light in the darkness and he will give this light to those who are worthy. The birth of Jesus illustrates this as the herald of his coming was a bright morning star.
The morning star that Jesus is referring to is Zedek (Jupiter), meaning he will be giving the light of justice and righteousness to reside in the hearts of those deemed worthy.
And Revelation 22:16, “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David and the bright Morning Star.”
The story of King Saul and the future anointed King David can be seen as a parallel to King Herod and the future King Jesus, the Anointed One. To Herod, the child born King of the Jews in Bethlehem, the City of David, and prophesied to be the Anointed One would naturally be the son of David. He would think of the child as a usurper while knowing in his heart that he was born to be the true king of the Jews. Herod was not even a Jew but an Idumean (descendant of Esau, Jacob’s brother) making Herod the actual usurper of the throne.
Jupiter passes (conjuncts) the star Regulus three times: September 14, 3 BC; February 17, 2 BC; and May 9, 2 BC. The first conjunction of Regulus, Jupiter was in its normal motion (traveling east) and then in December Jupiter went retrograde (traveling west) to conjunct a second time. Then in April Jupiter was again in its normal motion of east to conjunct a third time with Regulus. This would appear that Jupiter is circulating Regulus in Leo, or that the King planet is drawing a circle or crown around the King Star in the King constellation.
June 17, 2 BC – Jupiter and Venus conjunction in the constellation Leo visible at their rising in the west. They were so close as to appear to be one for over 2 hours before they set in the west. At the same time a full Moon was rising in the east opposite this “star.”
The Magi could have seen the Moon in the east as a reminder of the meeting of these same two "stars" that preceded this light of heaven. It can be seen as symbolic for His royal light to shine from east to west.
A ten month period of time has elapsed between the similar conjunction of Jupiter and Venus in the opposite ends of the sky (Aug.12, 3 BC – June 17, 2 BC). The most likely chain of events is that the Magi traveled west following the “star” Jupiter to Jerusalem and King Herod’s court between these two stellar events. It cannot be known when they started their journey but it can be assumed that it was sometime after Jupiter went west in the night sky (Dec. 1, 3 BC). It is probable to expect that they would not have traveled in December because of the rainy season.
If their ulterior motive was one of a political/military one they would have left as soon as possible. The idea of a great king born in the East to challenge Rome would have been of great interest to the King of Parthia. This new king could be a threat to his rule or someone he could ally with in a battle with Rome. Either way, it would have been of utmost importance to see this new king and to assess the situation in Palestine. It is likely that the Magi were sent to do reconnaissance as well as dignitary work. If this was the case, it is doubtful that they would have delayed given what was at stake.
The time prior to their leaving was to check the archives for confirmation of a kingly birth, obtain permission and preparation for the journey. If they traveled in a caravan from Persia it would have taken a few months depending on stops. The Magi would have reached Jerusalem in the spring to tarry with Herod while his advisors studied their archives.
Matthew 2:4-6, “When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. ‘In Bethlehem in Judea,’ they replied, ‘for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means the least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’”
It is not recorded how long the Magi stayed in the court of Herod but as important dignitaries they would have been accorded an extended stay if they so desired. They had consulted the star charts and were operating on a celestial timetable. They probably inquired of the courts knowledge or lack thereof of astronomy/astrology.
Matthew 2:7-8, “Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.’”
The fact that Herod inquired of the Magi of when the star appeared demonstrates that the star was not too unique and/or required insight to identify. Again, it identifies the star as part of what is normal in the night sky. They were called Wise Men because they correctly interpreted the many celestial events as pointing to the birth of the Anointed One.
Daniel 12:3, “Those that are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those that lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”
The importance of the Magi is on display as Herod defers to them. The king could have sent his own people to look for the usurper but instead he told them to report back to him after discovering the location. Clearly, Herod was being coy when he said that he would worship him. It is highly possible that the Magi were aware of the king’s reputation and told him in no uncertain terms not to interfere with their duties.
Matthew 2:9, “After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star that they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.”
The star that they saw in the east was Jupiter that had been leading them on their journey. Jupiter had been in its annual retrogression (moving west) beginning in Dec. 1, 3 BC and this ended on April 1, 2 BC. This means that it appears to stop in the sky before it begins its normal motion (moving east). This was not as exact as it sounds as this is being viewed with the naked eye.
They would have known the way south to Bethlehem and the star was confirmation that this was where he would be found. There had to be some concern by the Magi after not finding the child at Herod’s court that he could be anywhere. It was understood that they would have to search for his exact whereabouts. This could take time as he was assumed to be hidden away from the deadly Herod.
In the sky at this time of the search for the child Jupiter, the king planet, was crowning Regulus, the king star, in Leo, the king constellation. Leo represents the kingly tribe of Judah. Genesis 49:10, “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his.”
All the signs were pointing to a very important royal birth, yet they were searching for a child amongst the poor. The Magi had followed the king star to the royal court of Herod only to be told to look for him in the lowly city of Bethlehem, very disconcerting. The signs in the sky were truly powerful, but were they wrong? Maybe even Herod thought this quest to be foolish or that the Magi would fail in finding this highborn amongst the rabble.
Matthew 2:10, “when they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”
What star did they see? They had been following the “star” Jupiter so to continue to see this would not be joyous. What they saw was Jupiter and Venus in an alignment so rare as to appear to be one “star” in the west (June 17, 2 BC). This would have been confirmation that they had indeed come to the right place. They knew this to be the end of their journey that had begun with this same “star” in the east. The miracle in this Star of Bethlehem is that it actually took place given the obstacles.
Matthew 2:11, “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 and of incense and of myrrh.”
They saw a child and not an infant as the birth was in September of 3 BC, making him to be 9 months old. It is highly probable that God influenced the Wise Men to know that this was a special circumstance and a unique event foretold in prophecy. The miracle aspect is that they had an epiphany. They rode on to find the Christ child and honored him even though he had a humble birth. This was not the royal court of a king, yet all of the signs in the heavens pointed to this child being noble and regal.
It is also highly probable that it was God’s hand that kept the holy family in Bethlehem. A practical reason was that Joseph and Mary took it on faith that God would provide for them. They went to Bethlehem with little and waited on the Lord as they believed on his word that they were the parents of the Messiah. Help did come by way of the Wise Men from afar that came bearing gifts.
Matthew 2:12, “And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country
by another route.”
It is easy to read of the birth of Christ and just marvel at the right choices and correct decisions that took place. Clearly this was influenced by the hand of God. But on a human level, this would be hard to expect or imagine, so this was a strong test of faith. The human reality can be one of angst and self-doubt when human understanding cannot fathom God’s ways and means. It takes an overriding faith in God to continue on even when signs are given to point the way.
Matthew 2:13, “When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’”
They were able to flee and survive because of the gifts from God that came to them via the Wise Men.
Matthew 2:16, “When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.”
August 27, 2 BC – Jupiter, Mars, Mercury and Venus in Leo. It is possible that this date marks the decree to kill the child by murdering all boys of his age group based on the “star.” This killing is known as the Slaughter of the Infants or Massacre of the Innocents. This massing of the planets is the possible date in the heavens because of the time frame of June 17, 2 BC being the Star of Bethlehem and the time it would take for Herod to realize that the Magi were not going to return.
There are those that question whether or not this slaughter actually took place. This is in part because of
the large number of victims that were later recorded that mythologized the event. The actual numbers were probably few but significant as they were martyred for Christ. Also, there is no record of this event outside of the biblical account. The answer could be that Bethlehem was small and insignificant in light of world affairs and therefore not worthy of mention. But given the murderous nature of Herod and his association with the brutality of Rome, it can be believed. He murdered his own family members to keep a grip on his kingship no matter the cost.
This is also about human nature and it is recorded that Herod felt that he had been tricked by the Magi. The Magi had probably prevented Herod from participating in their stellar trek to find the child by making assurances that they would return. That his anger over their not returning turned into a murderous rage should not be surprising.
The Star of Bethlehem was in the heavens to honor the birth of the Anointed One, the true King of the Jews. The Magi were God’s agents in declaring to the world that this child is the chosen one, a clear rejection of Herod as the king of the Jews. Herod took the crown through war, manipulation and kept the throne through the shedding of innocent blood.
January 10, 1 BC – Total Eclipse of the Moon.
Joseph, Mary and the child had fled to Egypt and returned to Israel after the death of Herod. Clearly, Herod at the time wanted the child killed once he found out that he was born during his reign. The intervention of the Magi helped to preserve the child’s life. Herod was wise in the ways of the world and not of God. Had Herod opened his eyes and looked up to the skies he would have seen a total eclipse of the Moon before he died.
This was Herod’s sign and it is a malefic (productive of evil) and not one of honor.
The importance of the Magi lies in the role that they played as worshipers from afar. It heralds the coming acceptance of Christ by Gentiles who would establish non-Jewish traditions for Christmas. The story of the Magi is integral to all Christmas traditions: worship, gift giving and the Star of Bethlehem.
I recommend the following books for further study and for a detailed analysis of the heavens and the times, even though I do not necessarily agree with all of the conclusions. These books helped to provide the background for this writing along with Wikipedia: The Star that Astonished the World by E.L. Martin (ASK); The Language of God in the Universe by Helena Lehman; The Star of Bethlehem by Michael R. Molnar.