Matthew 2:10

10 When they saw the star, the sight filled them with intense joy.

Matthew 2:10 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 2:10

When they saw the star
Which by its appearance, size, brightness they knew to be the same with that which they had seen, when in their own country;

they rejoiced with exceeding great joy;
a "pleonasm" or a redundancy of expression frequently used by the Hebrews, see ( John 4:6 ) and the Septuagint there; setting forth the rapture, the excess of joy they were in upon the sight of the star. Very probably before this, their hearts were sad, their countenances dejected, and they greatly discouraged, having taken so great a journey, and as yet to so little purpose. They had been at Jerusalem, where they expected to have found him that was born king of the Jews; they had been at court, and conversed with men of the greatest figure and intelligence, and could get no tidings of him; people of all ranks and degrees seemed to be troubled at the account they brought; no body cared to go along with them to Bethlehem: all these circumstances no doubt were discouraging to them; but as soon as they saw the star their spirits revived, joy filled their hearts, cheerfulness appeared in their countenances; and they pursued their journey with inexpressible delight, till they came to the place where the illustrious person was they were seeking after.

Matthew 2:10 In-Context

8 He then directed them to go to Bethlehem, adding, "Go and make careful inquiry about the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and do him homage."

9 After hearing what the king said, they went to Bethlehem, while, strange to say, the star they had seen in the east led them on until it came and stood over the place where the babe was.

10 When they saw the star, the sight filled them with intense joy.

11 So they entered the house; and when they saw the babe with His mother Mary, they prostrated themselves and did Him homage, and opening their treasure-chests offered gifts to Him--gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

12 But being forbidden by God in a dream to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by a different route.