students of the stars: “a (Persian … then also Babylonian) wise man and priest, who was expert in astrology, interpretation of dreams and various other secret arts” (BAGD). REB renders the term “astrologers.” From the East7 is very general; many interpreters hold that these wise men came from Babylon, and they may have done so, but we cannot be sure. Their study of the stars had led them to believe that a great leader had been born in Judea. That being so, they naturally directed their steps
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