Modern Day Magi

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14............. Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. - Acts 17:11

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Why a Modern Day Magi?

Firstly I will shed a little light on who the Magi were and then I hope to be able to explain the title a little better...

The Magi were a hereitary caste of Median priests of the Zurvanist religion that evolved out of Zoroastrianism. They were also priests to the ancient Persians. As well as being priests, the Magi were astronimers, advisors, interpreters of dreams, and generally considered 'wise men'.

Possibly the most well known Magi are the famous Three Wise Men from the biblical christmas story who came bearing the famous three gifts. (there were three gifts and as such it is assumed that there were three wise men when the could have been more)

It's also believed that the Jewish prophet Daniel was at one stage the "Rab Mag" or Chief Magi and entrusted a Messianic vision, to be announced in due time by a "star", to a secret sect of the Magi for its eventual fulfillment.

I [Persian Emperor Nebuchadnezzar] said, "Belteshazzar [Daniel's Persian name], chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you. Here is my dream; interpret it for me.

Daniel 4:9

There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods. King Nebuchadnezzar your father—your father the king, I say—appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners. This man Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.

Daniel 5: 11-12

In short the Magi were very smart guys who knew a lot of stuff about a lot of things.

As the Modern Day Magi I wish to learn a lot of stuff about a lot of things, although my dedication to study is possibly a little less that that of the Magi.

This blog will track my journey to knowledge. Along the way I will share the things I learn, forget, and then re-learn, and interesting things I come up with along the way.

My aim is to become a "Jack of all Trades..."

I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy posting...

2 Comments:

  • At 7/22/2006 12:43:00 am, Blogger Eye said…

    Dear MDM,

    Interesting post. I always thought they were Jews who did not return from their captivity in Babylon. I find it hard to comprehend pagans carefully studying Hebrew prophecy and acting out on it...

    In Him,

    Eye

     
  • At 9/05/2006 01:36:00 pm, Blogger PhileoSophia said…

    And I thought the "Proverbs 31 woman" was intimidating! (Oh, wait, she still is...)
    Still, it is my goal to learn a little about a lot of things. Right now, I am trying to learn logic, crocheting, brushing up my Koine Greek and reading original works of great men of God. (Specifically Thomas a Kempis and Augustine.)
    I am really enjoy your posts.

    Keep up the good work.

     

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