This was, doubtless, referred to in the prophecy of Balaam, which would thus receive a double fulfilment, first of the literal “Star,” and also of the person to whom it referred. The Lord said by Balaam (Num. xxiv. 17), “There shall come(33) a star out of Jacob, And a sceptre shall rise out of Israel.” Thomas Hyde, an eminent Orientalist (1636‐1703), writing on the ancient religion of the Persians, quotes from ABULFARAGIUS (an Arab Christian Historian, 1226‐1286), who says that ZOROASTER, or ZERDUSHT, the Persian, was a pupil of Daniel the Prophet, and that he predicted to the Magians (who were the astronomers of Persia), that when they should see _a new star_ appear it would notify the birth of a mysterious child, whom they were to adore. It is further stated in the _Zend Avesta_ that this new star was to appear in the sign of the Virgin. Some have supposed that this passage is not genuine. But whether it was interpolated before or after the event, it is equally good evidence for our purpose here. For if it was written _before_ the event, it is evidence of the _prophetic announcement_; and if it was interpolated _after_ the event it is evidence of the _historic fact_. The Book of Job shows us how Astronomy flourished in Idumea; and the Gospel according to Matthew shows that the Persian Magi, as well as others, were looking for “the Desire of all nations.” New stars have appeared again and again. It was in 125 B.C. that a star, so bright as to be seen in the day‐time, suddenly appeared. It was this that caused HIPPARCHUS to draw up his catalogue of stars, which has been handed down to us by PTOLEMY (150 A.D.). This new star would show the _latitude_, passing at that time immediately overhead at midnight, every twenty‐four hours; while the prophecy would give the _longitude_ as the land of Jacob. Having these two factors, it would be only a matter of observation, and easy for the Magi to find the place where it would be vertical, and thus to locate the very spot of the birth of Him of whom it was the sign, for they emphatically called it “His Star.” There is a beautiful tradition which relates how, in their difficulty, on their way from Jerusalem to find the actual spot under the _Zenith_ of this star, these Magi sat down beside David’s “Well of Bethlehem” to refresh themselves. There they saw the star reflected in the clear water of the well. Hence it is written that “when they saw the star they rejoiced with exceeding joy,” for they knew they were at the very spot and place of His appearing whence He was to “come forth.”