Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 2:7

"Then Herod privily called the Wise-men, and learned of them exactly what time the star appeared." — Matthew 2:7 (ASV)

When he had secretly called — True to his nature to the end—himself probably a believer in astrology, and haunted by fears of what the star signified—the king’s next action was to ascertain the limits of his danger.

The English phrase “what time the star appeared” is not quite accurate. The literal meaning is the time of the star that was appearing—that is, at what time the star, which was still visible (Matthew 2:9), had first appeared.

Enquired of them diligently — A better translation is, ascertained exactly.