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.

Matthew 2:1–12 describes the arrival in Jerusalem of a group of wise men, sometime after Jesus' birth. They are
responding to the sight of a ''star'' in the night sky, leading them to conclude the ''king of the Jews'' had been born.
King Herod is troubled by this news and sends them to Bethlehem. His deceitful orders are for the wise men to
return and tell him where the child is. The travelling scholars are overjoyed to find the Christ, at last. They worship
Him by bowing and presenting expensive gifts. Warned not to return to Herod, after all, they slip away by another
route.

What is Herod the Great known for?

Herod the Great is known for the Bible story where he tried to have Jesus killed and, in the
process, had many children killed. He is also known for his architectural achievements
including reconstructing and expanding the Jerusalem Temple, building fortresses, and
building pagan temples.

Why did King Herod want to kill Jesus?

In the Gospel of Matthew, King Herod found out the Jewish Messiah was born who was
being called ''king of the Jews,'' a title Herod had used for around 30 years. Herod tried to
have Jesus killed so there would not be challenges to Herod's authority.

What did King Herod do in the Bible?

The story of King Herod in the Bible showed a mad tyrant seeking to maintain his control
over his kingdom of Judea. When he found out the Jewish Messiah was born, he tried to
have him killed so he would not challenge Herod's authority. To try to make sure Jesus
would be killed, he ordered all children in and around Bethlehem at the age of two or under
to be killed.

King Herod, also called ''Herod the Great,'' was a ruler of the Roman province of Judea in
the 1st century BCE, but he is probably best remembered for the New Testament story
where he orders all children under the age of two in and around Bethlehem to be killed.
While there is no historical evidence for this event outside of the Bible, historical sources
show that Herod ruled Judea for about 30 years. Herod was both a great and terrible ruler,
as he advanced the architecture of Judea and living conditions of his people but also
mistreated many of his citizens and own family, even ordering some to be killed.