The Fourth Wise Man
by Esmerelda Weatherwax (January 2010)
The gospel according to Matthew describes them as wise men (or astrologers in one modern version) who came from the east following the star and called on King Herod at his palace in Jerusalem.
Tradition says that the men came from Persia; that they were of royal rank, (Kings!) and that their names were Balthazar, Caspar and Melchior. I see no reason why this should not be true. Persia is east of Jerusalem and had a tradition of skill in study of the stars. Balthazar, Caspar and Melchior are as good names as any. We see them on Christmas cards, each riding a magnificent camel, accompanied by their pages, across the starlit desert.
Balzones stayed several months in Bethlehem. He was a stranger but he was able to help in the aftermath of the massacre. When he felt he had done all he could he got back on his donkey and made his way home, sad and troubled.
“And what were you planning to do with the profit then?“ asked Lucas.
“Right” said Jonathan, “You’re all coming with us. Does anyone know if Timaeus and Son are still in business?”
Bible texts taken from the New English Bible.
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