The arrival of the magi was quickly noised throughout Jerusalem. Their strange errand created an excitement among the people, which penetrated to the palace of King Herod. The wily Edomite was aroused at the intimation of a possible rival. Countless murders had stained his pathway to the throne. Being of alien blood, he was hated by the people over whom he ruled. His only security was the favor of Rome. But this new Prince had a higher claim. He was born to the kingdom.

Vismændenes ankomst rygtedes hurtigt i hele Jerusalem. Deres mærkelige ærinde skabte røre blandt folket, og rygtet trængte helt ind i kong Herodes' palads. Den snedige edomit blev forskrækket ved denne antydning om, at der skulle findes en mulig rival. Hans vej til tronen var plettet af blodet fra utallige mord. Da han var af fremmed oprindelse, var han forhadt af det folk, som han regerede. Hans eneste sikkerhed bestod i at være i gunst hos romerne. Men denne nye fyrste kunne gøre større krav. Han var født til kongedømmet.