Matthew, unlike Luke, gives no further details until after the birth, but he does give more information about some events that occurred around that time. The first is the visit of the Magi, or the three kings, or wise men, as they have come to be known.
Bethlehem was about 5 miles south of Jerusalem. Matthew refers to it as "Bethlehem in Judea" to distinguish it from another Bethlehem near Nazareth, and to emphasise that Jesus came from Judea, so was in the Davidic line.
Matthew refers to the Magi to show the global importance of the birth of Jesus. Jesus was not just King of the Jews, but is the Lord of All. The Magi had followed a star, and naturally came to Jerusalem.
Herod was disturbed by this news of another king, for it would threaten his power. He asked the religious leaders to tell him where the Messiah was to be born, and they said Bethlehem in Judea, basing this on Micah 5:2,4.
Herod then made plans to find the new king, pretending he wanted to worship him. However, God warned the Magi in a dream not to let Herod know. It is amazing that men think they can foil the plans of God. Either the prophecy in Micah was false, in which case Herod had nothing to worry about, or it was the word of God, and there is no point in trying to oppose the word of God. Today there are many who fight against God, they too are engaged in a futile venture.
The Magi brought three gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh. This is why traditionally we say there were three wise men, though the number is not actually given in the Bible.
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