Those who have read my 2017 book The Mystery of the Magi–The Quest to Identify the Three Wise Men  will be familiar with my proposal that the Magi were, first of all historical figures–and not (as mainstream Biblical scholarship supposes) a fanciful legend. Also, they were not from Persia, but from Jordan–more specifically from the Nabatean kingdom with its capital at Petra.

I chronicled the evidence for my theory in the book, and have been disappointed in its reception. I did not write a scholarly monograph from within the hallowed halls of academia, but researched the question as a freelance writer and lay scholar. While I was not surprised to find my theory rejected by mainstream scholars I (perhaps naively) hoped someone would at least take it seriously enough to debate my main points. It has not happened. I was, however, pleased by its acceptance by many readers and fellow Biblical scholars who do not have an academic career and reputation to protect.

Anyway, during my sabbatical in Jerusalem in 2022 I was able to access the wonderful library and religious life of the Dominicans at St Stephen’s Priory in Jerusalem which also houses the famous Ecole Biblique. While there I researched my other  Christmas book, The Secret of the Bethlehem Shepherds but I also discovered some extra evidence supporting my theory that the Magi were from Arabia, not Persia.

Kenneth Bailey in his excellent Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes records the 1920s British scholar E.F.F.Bishop’s visit to a Bedouin tribe in Jordan. The tribal name was “al-Kokobani”. “Kokab” means “planet” and “al-Kokobani” means “they who follow the planets.” When Bishop asked the elders why they have that name they replied, “Because our ancestors followed the planets West to honor the prophet Jesus when he was born.” Our own guide in Jordan is Jusef Hilo who is himself from a modern Bedouin heritage. I asked him whether this was accurate. He said “Kokobani” is related to the planets and may extend to the stars and constellations.

The history of the Bedouin tribes is very ancient and to fully understand the history of the Old Testament and the nomadic origins of Abraham and the Jewish people one needs at least a basic knowledge of the Bedouin. My book on the magi traces the history of the Nabateans back to the various nomadic tribes of Western Arabia and thus the “al-Kokobani” link is another piece of the puzzle.

By the way, if you haven’t read them The Mystery of the Magi and The Secret of the Bethlehem Shepherds make great Advent reading and super Christmas gifts.