The prophetic scriptures of the Old Testament contain numerous references to the coming of great persons who would recognize and adore the Messiah, Jesus Christ. These prophecies highlight the universal significance of Christ's birth and the acknowledgment of His divine kingship by individuals of notable status and wisdom.

The Visit of the Magi

One of the most prominent prophecies concerning great persons coming to adore Christ is found in the narrative of the Magi, or wise men, who visited Jesus shortly after His birth. This event is foreshadowed in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament.

Isaiah's Prophecy

Isaiah 60:3 speaks of nations and kings being drawn to the light of the Messiah: "Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn." This prophecy anticipates the homage paid by foreign dignitaries to the newborn King, symbolizing the recognition of His divine authority beyond the borders of Israel.

The Psalmist's Vision

Psalm 72:10-11 further envisions the homage of kings: "May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him." This passage reflects the expectation that rulers from afar would come to honor the Messiah, bringing gifts as a sign of their reverence and submission.

Fulfillment in the New Testament

The fulfillment of these prophecies is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 2:1-2 states, "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 'Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.'" The Magi, likely scholars or astrologers from regions such as Persia or Babylon, represent the fulfillment of the prophetic vision of great persons coming to adore Christ.

The Gifts of the Magi

The gifts presented by the Magi—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—are significant both in their material value and symbolic meaning. Gold, a symbol of kingship, acknowledges Jesus' royal status. Frankincense, often used in worship, signifies His divine nature. Myrrh, associated with embalming, foreshadows His suffering and death. These offerings align with the prophetic anticipation of homage and adoration from the nations.

The Universal Recognition of Christ's Kingship

The visit of the Magi underscores the universal recognition of Christ's kingship and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. It illustrates the reach of His influence and the acknowledgment of His divine mission by those outside the Jewish faith. This event serves as a testament to the global impact of Christ's birth and the fulfillment of God's promise to bring salvation to all nations.

In summary, the prophecies respecting Christ and the adoration by great persons highlight the recognition of His divine authority and kingship by individuals of wisdom and stature. These prophecies, fulfilled in the visit of the Magi, emphasize the universal scope of Christ's mission and the acknowledgment of His lordship by the nations.Psalm 72:10
The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Against Heresies
... Their views as to the prophecies. ... interpret all that the prophets have declared
respecting Christ and the ... declared by the law, and manifested by Christ His Son ...
//christianbookshelf.org/irenaeus/against heresies/

The Harbinger
... T he general style of the prophecies is poetical ... The leading ideas respecting MESSIAH'S
appearance, suggested by ... excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon ii the harbinger.htm

The Angel's Message and Song
... who were acquainted with the prophecies concerning MESSIAH ... believe the testimony
of the Scripture respecting their own ... 3:3) ; they rejoice in Christ Jesus, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon x the angels message.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... This concludes the oracular utterances respecting Rome. ... After some other prophecies
we come to the mention of Christ, "the Begotten, the great God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm

The Deists.
... and exactly consonant with the prophecies concerning the ... curiously conducted controversy
respecting the Resurrection ... Christ's conduct was 'reserved and cautious ...
/.../abbey/the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter iii the deists.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... games, which used to be attended by a great concourse of ... not with thy meat him for
whom Christ died. ... of sinners, I am to infer His wishes respecting ourselves. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200
... of the world, pronounced their prophecies; for which ... suffered and rose again, but
Christ remained impassable ... third book of the Exegetics, respecting those that ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period iii the critical period .htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
... types and shadows, the sacrifices and prophecies of the ... information as he was able
respecting the birth ... and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, together with ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm

How can we trust that biblical prophecy can indeed predict the future? | GotQuestions.org

Was Nostradamus a true prophet of God? | GotQuestions.org

Surviving the end times - what do I need to know? | GotQuestions.org

Prophecies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus