Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 2:8

"And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search out exactly concerning the young child; and when ye have found [him,] bring me word, that I also may come and worship him." — Matthew 2:8 (ASV)

Go, and search diligently, etc. Herod took all possible means to obtain accurate information concerning the child, so 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 so that they might actually see him and report back to him. 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 so 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. They attempt to deceive those who are really good and lead them to believe that they have the same design. But God cannot be deceived, and he will bring them to punishment.

2. Wicked men often make use of the pious to advance their evil purposes. Men like Herod will stop at nothing if they can achieve their goals. They endeavor to deceive the simple, allure the unsuspecting, and beguile the weak, to serve their wicked purposes.

3. The plans of wicked men are often well laid. They occupy a long time; they make diligent inquiry; and all of it has the appearance of religion. But God sees the design; and though men are deceived, yet God cannot be (Proverbs 15:3).