Traveling in desert lands can be difficult. One could be days without water or food, fighting off wild animals. Because the Magi traveled the desert lands for trade, they were equipped to make the journey, knowing it could be difficult. Even so, the testimony of the Magi is this journey was easy, the star and the pillar of light guided and protected them from danger throughout the journey.
The book states an encampment of Magi took gifts that their forefathers stored to prepare for this day and started on their journey across the desert back to the land of their forefather, Abraham. An encampment is an entire caravan of camels as many as 500 or more, carrying people and cargo, which suggests there were more than three Magi who traveled to Jerusalem.
This is more in line with how much gold, frankincense, and myrrh Jesus received. The treasure he received financed him with his family to live in Egypt for approximately three and a half years without Joseph working his trade as a carpenter.
With so many coming into Jerusalem with treasure fit for a king, it is clear why their presence would be so disturbing to Herod and the nation of Israel.
“When Herod the king heard [this,] he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born” (Matthew 2:3-4)
For the Magi, could this journey also be about belonging? Could this be what the Nabataeans and all the Abrahamic tribes outside of Isaac's birthright wanted, acceptance by God through adoption into Christ, the redemption that had been promised since the Fall of Adam?