Of Such Is The Kingdom, A Novel of Biblical Times in 3 parts

”Now, where was I?” mused Manaheem, taking another sip.  “Oh yes, those eastern visitors. I had noticed their arrival from my bedchamber window, and was curious as to just what their mission might be.  So I silently stole downstairs and hid behind the curtains, listening intently.  They told a wondrous tale of a child who was to be born king of the Jews.  They told how they’d seen his star in the east and had followed it all the way to Jerusalem.  They’d traversed many tiresome miles over rocky terrain.  The star had gone before them, guiding them all the way.  But, now it had disappeared, and so they came to the palace, seeking information.  They wanted to worship the new king.  Did Herod, or anyone, know of his whereabouts?  I could see from your father’s face that he was extremely troubled at this.  He dismissed the visitors, telling them to wait in the hall until he sent for them.  Then he called together all the chief priests and scribes, and anxiously asked them where the Messiah was to be born.  I didn’t understand what they were talking about, but they informed him that, according to the Holy Scriptures, it was to be in Bethlehem.  Then, after dismissing his advisers, he sent for the visitors.  He diligently and minutely questioned them as to the exact time when the star first appeared, finding it to be  about two years earlier.  He then sent them to Bethlehem, telling them to search diligently for the child there. When they had found the child, they were to bring him word so that he too might worship him.  Ha! He cared not to worship him.  His devilish mind was already at work, scheming how to get rid of this young king; for, Herod the great feared for his royal throne.”