Have you considered the possibility that

[Jim Franklin]

even though the Bible does not give this account that since the Wisemen saw the star in the East they most likely came from Egypt, that Jesus and his family may have fled to Egypt with them under their protection. The Wisemen knew of Herod's interest in seeking this "new king." Although they were warned to return "another way" in a dream it could be confirmation of their suspicions that Herod was out to kill any potential rivals. Both the Wisemen and Joseph had dreams that were warnings and to get going right away. Just an observation.

[Wilson L. Deaton]

even though the Bible does not give this account that since the Wisemen saw the star in the East they most likely came from Egypt, ....

The same Greek word is used to mean, "east," and, "rising." (I'm guessing because the sun, moon, etc. rises in the east.)

Thus in Matt 2:1 the meaning is probably, "Magi from the east," but in Matt 2:2 & 2:9 it is probably better as in the NIV footnote, "saw his star when it rose," (instead of "saw his star in the east").

Otherwise, we have a problem with mis-direction. Namely, if they saw the star in the east they would have traveled east, but if they were from the east that would have been sending them away from Israel...

Thus the song probably has it right when it say, "... of the orient..."

The idea that they were kings come from as early as the 3rd century. Some think it was assumed they were kings to fulfill OT prophecy of kings worshiping (Psalm 68:29, 72:11).

Incidentally, even if they didn't travel with the Magi, I've always figured that their gifts certainly financed the trip!

Wilson

[Joel Merrill]

I heard someone say that they may have been from the area of the former Babylon. They had the prophecies of Daniel and had figured out the prophecy of the seventy sevens. They were looking for a sign and being astrologers, they looks to the sky.

Joel

[David Cash]

I have contemplated whether they were astrologers who were given the grace to see the truth of a Savior right in the middle of some dark practices. Can't say that it's a valid idea, but it is interesting.

Interesting original idea, Jim. Would be impossible to prove Scripturally, but so are the donkey, the number of wisemen, and probably some other points.
And I still like the traditional story.

David Cash

[Joel Merrill]

I have contemplated whether they were astrologers who were given the grace to see the truth of a Savior right in the middle of some dark practices. Can't say that it's a valid idea, but it is interesting.

David Cash
Matthew says they came from the East. I doubt that they understood all of who Jesus really was. After all, the Jews didn't even understand. There is no way of knowing how much other scripture they had besides Daniel's writings. Probably none. There is no way of knowing how much they even knew about God. But they had figured out the time and they were looking for a sign so God sent the star. They knew he was to be the king of the Jews and because of the prophecy and the star, obviously a very special king. So they went to King Herod. That was the logical place for them to look for a king to be born.

King Herod then went to the chief priests and teachers of the law and it was they who told Herod where the Christ Child was to be born. If you remember, Herod told the Magi and he wanted them to come back to him. So the star didn't literally lead them to Bethlehem. Rather, it was a sign that they had been looking for signaling that Christ had been born.

Joel