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Then Herod secretly called the wise men, and learned from them exactly what time the star appeared.
Verse Takeaways
1
Deception Cloaked in Piety
Commentators unanimously explain that Herod's secret and "diligent" questioning of the Magi was not a sincere search for truth. It was a calculated, deceptive step in his plot to locate and murder the infant King. This serves as a stark warning against hypocrisy, where outward acts of religious inquiry can mask a heart intent on opposing Christ.
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Matthew
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12
18th Century
Presbyterian
Privily. Secretly, privately. He did this to ascertain the time when Jesus was born.
Diligently. Accurately; exact…
Then Herod privily called the wise men (τοτε Hηρωιδης λαθρα καλεσας τους μαγους). He had manifestly not told members of the Sanhed…
19th Century
Anglican
When he had secretly called — True to his nature to the end—himself probably a believer in astrology, and haunted by fears of what…
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Baptist
We delight in anxious inquirers, but here was one of a very evil sort. Many pry into holy things that they may ridicule or otherwise oppose them. W…
The reason Herod wanted to learn, at his secret meeting with the Magi, the exact time the star appeared was that he had already schemed to kill the…
16th Century
Protestant
Then Herod, having secretly called the Magi. The tyrant did not dare to avow his fear and uneasiness, lest he might give fresh courage to …
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
Then Herod, when he had privately called the wise men As soon as he had got the intelligence of the place of the Mes…
Those who live at the greatest distance from the means of grace often use the most diligence, and learn the most about Christ and His salvation. Bu…
13th Century
Catholic
Christ’s birth having been announced by the Wise Men, King Herod here inquires about the place of the birth. Three things are presented:
