While the
wise men had their own reasons (availability and value), it’s interesting that
each of those items are found in the same chapter of the Old Testament – Exodus
30. These three items had a place in the
tabernacle (and later the temple) and the worship rituals. The wise men worshipped God and their gifts
pointed to that worship, Old Testament style.
Make
two gold rings for the altar below the molding—two on each of the opposite
sides—to hold the poles used to carry it. Exodus 30:4
Take
the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much
(that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant
calamus… Exodus 30:23
Then
the Lord
said to Moses, “Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha and galbanum—and pure
frankincense, all in equal amounts…” Exodus 30:34
Jesus is
God so these three items worshipped him appropriately.