Ben-Hur, Chapter 14 summary
Chapter 14 of 88 · Book 1 · 4 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 14, a brilliant star stops above the birthplace of the Child, and three wise men arrive to worship him and offer precious gifts. Their certainty contrasts with the baby's ordinary appearance, prompting the narrator to explain their faith as trust in God's signs and promises.
What happens
- A watchman alerts the khan's occupants when an approaching light becomes a dazzling star above the Child's birthplace.
- Three wise men arrive on camels, ask about a newborn child, and request to see him.
- The visitors approach the cave with a crowd, while the star rises, fades, and disappears as they enter.
- Mary identifies the Child as her son, and the visitors kneel in worship despite his ordinary appearance.
- The visitors bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh from their camels and place them before the Child.
- The narrator explains that their faith rests on divine signs and promises rather than visible powers in the baby.
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What happens to the star when the visitors enter the lodging?
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