Essays on Christmas #4 The Magi

It is clear from Daniel two, verses 12 and 13, that Daniel and his friends (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego), were considered part of this caste of men known as the Wise Men of Babylon who were to be advisors to the King on a great breadth of subjects, including religion, science, philosophy and politics.  They were a mixture of various religions and disciplines. When the Persian Empire (Darius) conquered the Medes (Nebuchadnezzar) there was a priestly caste among the Medes (Darius) known as the Magi.  When the Medio-Persians conquered Babylon as recorded in the fifth chapter of Daniel (as well as in secular history), they brought this Magi caste with them.  It is clear from the Biblical historical record that Daniel was one of those from among the Wise Men of Babylon who were absorbed into this class.   From this class of men came many of the satraps that Darius appointed to help rule this diverse kingdom.  Daniel was chosen as one of three administrators to whom the 120 satraps, chosen by this Medo-Persian king, were accountable.  It was Darius' plan, as expressed in verse 3 of the 6th chapter, to put Daniel over the whole kingdom, which seems to have been done after the “Den of Lions” event (see Daniel 6). By all accounts, Daniel was a very powerful and influential Magus.  The Magi who appear during the birth of Christ are most likely members of a sect of Magi that followed the teachings, prophecies, and the God of this most famous of the ancient Magi, Daniel.