Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 2:3

"And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him." — Matthew 2:3 (ASV)

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him (Matthew 2:3).

The wise men brought the best news that was ever told, and yet it troubled people. Does the gospel trouble you, my friend? Then I am afraid you must be of Herod's kind. It is a bad sign of a man's heart when what is for the good of all people becomes a trouble to him. It is an unhealthy stomach that turns good food to poison.

I suppose "all Jerusalem" was troubled by Herod because they knew that whenever this gloomy tyrant had one of his fits, he was sure to draw blood somewhere; therefore, they were troubled by him.

Herod is expressly called, “Herod the king.” In that capacity, he is the enemy of our King.

They are in a sad state to whom the Savior is a trouble. Some, like Herod, are troubled because they fear that they will lose position and honor if true religion makes progress, and many have an undefined dread that the presence of Jesus will deprive them of pleasure or call them to make unwilling sacrifices.

O You who are the King of heaven, You do not trouble me. You are my joy!

See the influence of one man. Herod’s trouble infects “all Jerusalem.” Well it might, for this cruel prince delighted in shedding blood, and the darkness of his brow meant death to many. Unhappy Jerusalem, to be troubled by the birth of the Savior! Unhappy people, to whom true godliness is a weariness!