Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 2:7-8

"Then Herod privily called the Wise-men, and learned of them exactly what time the star appeared. 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 2:7-8 (ASV)

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

Covering his bloody design with the pretense of reverence.

There is never a worse sin in the world than that which a man covers over with the cloak of religion; let us always beware of falling into this evil.

Then Herod, when he had privately called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

A fine "worship" that was, which he would offer to the infant King! He intended to murder him, and, in the same way, how often, under the pretense of worshipping Christ, has the very truth of Christ been murdered. Men invent new sacraments, new doctrines, new forms and ceremonies, all ostensibly for the edification of the Church and for the glory of Jesus; but really that they may stab at the very heart of God's gospel and put to death the living truth.