It has been observed that, on the occurrence of great events, and of
mighty changes in terrestrial things, such stars are wont to appear,
indicating either the removal of dynasties or the breaking out of wars,
or the happening of such circumstances as may cause commotions upon the
earth. But we have read in the _Treatise on Comets_ by Chaeremon the
Stoic, that on some occasions also, when _good_ was to happen, comets
made their appearance; and he gives an account of such instances. If,
then, at the commencement of new dynasties, or on the occasion of other
important events, there arises a comet so called, or any similar
celestial body, why should it be matter of wonder that at the birth of
Him who was to introduce a new doctrine to the human race, and to make
known His teaching not only to Jews, but also to Greeks, and to many of
the barbarous nations besides, a star should have arisen? Now I would
say, that with respect to comets there is no prophecy in circulation to
the effect that such and such a comet was to arise in connection with a
particular kingdom or a particular time; but with respect to the
appearance of a star at the birth of Jesus there is a prophecy of Balaam
recorded by Moses to this effect: “There shall arise a star out of
Jacob, and a man shall rise up out of Israel.”[1226] And now, if it
shall be deemed necessary to examine the narrative about the Magi, and
the appearance of the star at the birth of Jesus, the following is what
we have to say, partly in answer to the Greeks, and partly to the Jews.
Footnote 1226:
Cf. Num. xxiv. 17 (Septuag.).