Matthew 2:7

Observe here, 1. How Herod clokes his intended cruelty with disguised hypocrisy: he had. murder in his heart, when he pretended to worship Christ with his mouth. There is no villainy so great, but will mask itself under. pretence ond shew of piety. Herod veils his intent to kill Christ, with. pretence to worship him.

Observe, 2. Herod calls him the young child, not the young king: that word was too big to come out of Herod's proud mouth; he could neither bear the thing, nor brook the title.. king it is true he is, but one that will never be thy rival: he has. kingdom, but it is not of this world.

Observe, 3. How craftily Herod lays his plot; he desires the wise men to enquire thoroughly, and to inform him privately. To be wise in doing mischief, is the worst wisdom in the world: it is not the wisdom from above, but from hell beneath.