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APPENDIX Vl-- JEWISH LEGENDS-- There are a number of stories recounted in the Baha'i Scriptures which are not found in what is commonly regarded as the canonical Bible. Baha'u'llah's references to stars heralding Abraham and Moses are among such stories. Omission from the Bible is not reason in itself for arguing that such information is not historical. Much is not included in the Bible. For example, even the early years of Jesus' life between His childhood and the beginning of His ministry are not mentioned. (197:1) The authenticity and historicity of such non-biblical accounts is probably not a central or necessary point when considering the message Baha'u'llah is setting forth. For the benefit of His audience, Baha'u'llah is simply illustrating the reasonableness of His interpretation by referring to stories that are known and generally accepted in the East. The message is simple: Since ancient times, stories recount how stars appeared as 'signs' and heralds of Messengers of God such as Abraham, Moses and Christ. Such a star is, therefore, the likely meaning of Jesus' prophecy; that is, 'the sign' (Matt. 24:29) which Jesus says will appear in heaven as a herald to His return is physically a star and symbolically a saintly person. (197:2) This interpretation is so appropriate that the physical and symbolic meaning of the Star were accepted among Christians in early times. Ephraim Syrus (or Ephraim the Syrian, c. 300-73), in his 'Hymns For the Feast of the Epiphany' wrote: |