Charles Spurgeon 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)

Artful wretch! Murder was in his heart, but pious pretenses were on his tongue. May none of us be Herodians in hypocrisy! To promise to worship, and to intend to destroy, is a piece of trickery very common in our own times.

Note that the wise men never promised to return to Herod. They probably guessed that all this eager zeal was not quite so pure as it seemed to be, and their silence did not mean consent. We must not believe everybody who makes loud professions, nor do all that they ask of us, lest we aid them in some evil design.

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."

It was like his deep, cunning spirit to try to find out where the child was, that he might kill him. He looked upon him as a rival, as one who might rob him of his throne, so he would put him to death if he could; and, meanwhile, he would pretend that he wanted to worship him.