John Calvin Commentary Matthew 2:11

"And they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary his mother; and they fell down and worshipped him; and opening their treasures they offered unto him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh." — Matthew 2:11 (ASV)

They found the young child. So revolting a sight might naturally have created an additional prejudice; for Christ was so far from having anything of royalty surrounding him that he was in a lowlier and more despised condition than any peasant child. But they are convinced that he is divinely appointed to be a King. This thought alone, deeply rooted in their minds, inspires their reverence. They contemplate in the purpose of God his exalted rank, which is still concealed from outward view.¹⁸⁶ Being certain that he will one day be different from what he now appears, they are not at all ashamed to render him royal honors.

Their presents show from where they came, for there can be no doubt that they brought them as the choicest productions of their country. We should not understand that each of them presented his own offering, but that the three offerings, which are mentioned by Matthew, were presented by all of them in common. Almost all the commentators indulge in speculations about these gifts, as denoting the kingdom, priesthood, and burial of Christ. They make gold the symbol of his kingdom, — frankincense, of his priesthood, — and myrrh, of his burial. I see no solid ground for such an opinion. It was customary, we know, among the Persians, when they offered homage to their kings, to bring a present in their hands. The Magi select those three, for the produce for which Eastern countries are celebrated, just as Jacob sent into Egypt the choicest and most esteemed productions of the soil.

Take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices and myrrh, nuts and almonds, (Genesis 43:11).

Again, in rendering homage, according to the custom of Persia, to him whom they still regarded as an earthly King, they offered the productions of the soil. Our duty is to adore him in a spiritual manner: for the lawful and reasonable worship which he demands is that we consecrate first ourselves, and then all that we have, to his service.

¹⁸⁶ “Car ils considerent et contemplent au conseil de Dieu sa dignite et magnificence royale, laquelle n'apparoissoit point encores;” — “for they consider and contemplate in the purpose of God his royal dignity and splendor, which did not yet appear,”;” — “for they consider and contemplate in the purpose of God his royal dignity and splendor, which did not yet appear,”