Matthew 2:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 2:1-23

Of these naturally the first is the most important, and it may indeed be that the chief object of the evangelist was to show that Jesus satisfied the conditions of prophecy with respect to his birth. He was only driven from Bethlehem to Egypt and subsequently to Nazareth by the jealousy of the ruler of the Jews. While, however, the fulfilment of prophecy by Jesus the Christ was doubtless the most prominent thought in the evangelist's mind, the typical character of the treatment received... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 2:1-23

Childhood of Jesus. I. HEROD AND JESUS . The king and the Babe; earthly might and spiritual power. This contrast comes continually in view throughout the life of Christ, but never more strikingly than here. Depict the apparent helplessness of the young Child when confronted with the relentless and crafty hostility of Herod. The restless, suspicious jealousy of the old king, and the guileless, unconscious innocence of the Child. The selfish cruelty of the despot, and his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 2:3

When ; and when , Revised Version. There is a contrast ( δέ ) between the eager question of the Magi and the feelings of Herod. Herod the king . In the true text the emphasis is not on the person (as in Matthew 2:1 , where the date was all-important), but on the office as then exercised. Tile king visibly regnant is contrasted with him who was born to be King. Heard. Through some of his many sources of information, for "there were spies set everywhere" (Josephus, 'Ant.,'... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 2:3

Had heard these things - Had heard of their coming, and of the star, and of the design of their coming.He was troubled - Herod had obtained the kingdom by great crimes, and by shedding much blood. He was therefore easily alarmed by any remarkable appearances; and the fact that this star appeared, and that it was regarded as proof that a King of the Jews was born, alarmed him. Besides, it was a common expectation that the Messiah was about to appear, and he feared that his reign was about to... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 2:3

Matthew 2:3. When Herod heard, &c. he was troubled Or, alarmed, as Dr. Waterland renders εταραχθη . The word properly signifies a great emotion of mind, whatever the cause thereof be. Being a prince of a very suspicious temper, and his cruelties having rendered him obnoxious to his subjects, he feared losing his kingdom, especially as he had taken Jerusalem by force, and was settled on his throne by the aid of the Romans. Hence it is no wonder that he was concerned to hear of the... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 2:1-18

11. Herod and the Magi (Matthew 2:1-18)It seems that after the ceremonies in Jerusalem, Joseph and Mary returned with Jesus to Bethlehem. Because most of the travellers had now gone, they were able to move into the house (see Matthew 2:11). Meanwhile, in a country to the east, men known as Magi (people who study the stars) had worked out that a new king was born in Judea and they came to Jerusalem looking for him (Matthew 2:1-2).Herod the Great was ruler of Judea at the time, and he had no... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 2:3

When = But. had heard = on hearing. was troubled. The enemy used this for another attempt to prevent the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15 . See App-23 . all Jerusalem. Figure of speech Synecdoche (of the Whole), App-6 . = most of the people at Jerusalem at that time. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 2:3

And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.Herod's trouble was jealousy and rage, a rage that would finally vent itself in the slaughter of the innocents. Well, also, might the city of Jerusalem have been troubled with such a man upon the throne. Josephus related the circumstances attending the death of Herod, who, when he saw death was near, caused a large number of prominent persons to be put in prison with instructions that they should be put to death just... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 2:3

Matthew 2:3. He was troubled— Alarmed. Our translation suits well to Herod, jealous for his crown, but not to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, who were oppressed by him; and (according to their notions of a Messiah) would conceive hopes of their deliverance from the news of his death. The original word ταρασσω signifies only a great emotion, whatever the cause be, whether of joy, or fear, or admiration, Jdt 14:7. See Heylin and Mintert on the word. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Matthew 2:3

3. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled—viewing this as a danger to his own throne: perhaps his guilty conscience also suggested other grounds of fear. and all Jerusalem with him—from a dread of revolutionary commotions, and perhaps also of Herod's rage. read more

Group of Brands