"…we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." (Matthew 2:2)
The Nabataeans were stargazers who practiced an indigenous form of monotheism, Zoroastrianism. While the modern form of this religion is polytheistic with Indian influence, its originator, Zoroaster, was persuasive in his monotheistic views. He built an observatory for astronomical purposes---to measure time to predict the seasons and weather and maintain a calendar. With it, they could plan for planting and harvesting crops, taking animals to pasture, and calculate the start and end of the caravan season for trading and travel journeys along the Incense and Silk Roads. This primary practical use did not restrict their astrological uses, however. They also believed they could predict the rises and falls of societies by following the stars.
With the Nabataeans' background of Zoroastrianism, it is clear to see why the star was so important to them. The prophecy of Balaam was spoken in a symbolic language they understood, A Star of Jacob. Further, Belteshazzar, the biblical Prophet Daniel, lived in Persia during Israel's exile for 70 years between 605 BC and 535 BC, leading the Magi of the court for many kings. With his long tenure, Daniel was sure to have had some influence over the religious and political climate in the region for years to come. While historians cannot be certain the Magi whom Daniel advised are these same Nabataean people, Daniel served at the same time of the Nabataean people, leading to probable influence. Further, there were great conversions of Zoroastrians to Christianity in its first centuries. Early Asian theologians make special mentions of the Magi of whom we are now studying.
Genealogical, religious, and even social influences are strong reasons to go back to the land from which you were banished. Yet, there is an even stronger reason to go back to face the possible adversities that await.
Vision.