Matthew 2:8

"Then Herod secretly called the wise men, and learned from them exactly what time the star appeared."

Key Reflection

Herod's secret summons of the wise men to learn precisely when the star first appeared was a calculated move, revealing his cunning and desperation to locate the infant king he sought to destroy. In the original audience’s context, this detail underscored Herod's deceitful nature, as it demonstrated his willingness to manipulate and exploit these figures for his own nefarious purposes.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 8. Go, and search diligently, etc. Herod took all possible means to obtain accurate information respecting the child, that he might be sure of destroying him. He not only ascertained the probable time of his birth, and the place where he would be born, but he sent the wise men that they might actually see him, and bring him word. All this might have looked suspicious if he had not clothed it with the appearance of religion. He said to them, therefore, that he did it that he might go and worship him also. From this we may learn, (1.) that wicked men often cloak their evil designs under the appearance of religion.

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