Study of Matthew Chapter 2:3-8

Matthew 2

1Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

2Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

3When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

5And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

6And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

7Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

8And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

Comments on verse 3: It is no surprise that King Herod was disturbed when the Magi came to Jerusalem looking for the One who had been "born King" (v.2). Herod was not the rightful king from the line of David. In fact he was not even a descendant of Jacob, but was descended from Esau and thus was an Edomite. (He reigned over Palestine from 37 B. C. to 4 A. D.) This fact caused most of the Jews to hate him and never truly to accept him as king, even though he did much for the country. If someone had been rightfully born king, then Herod's job was in jeopardy.

Comments on verse 4: He gathered all the Jewish scholars together and inquired where Christ should be born. Interestingly Herod connected the One "born king of the Jews (v.2) with "the Christ," the Messiah. Obviously Israel had a messianic hope and believed that the Messiah would be born.

Comments on verses 5-8: The answer to Herod's squestion was simple, because Micah written by the prophet had given the precise location centuries before: the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). This answer from the people's chief priest and teacher of the Law (scribes, KJV) was apparently carried back to the Magi by Herod himself. Then Herod asked them when they had first seen the star (v.7). This became critical later in the account (v. 16); it showed that Herod was already contemplating a plan to get rid of this young King. He also instructed the Magi to return and tell him the location of this King so that he might come and worship him also (v. 8). That was not, however, what he had in mind.

More next time on Matthew 2:9-12 ff.