Matthew 2:8

And 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.

And {G2532} he sent {G3992} them {G846} to {G1519} Bethlehem {G965}, and said {G2036}, Go {G4198} and search {G1833} diligently {G199} for {G4012} the young child {G3813}; and {G1161} when {G1875} ye have found {G2147} him, bring {G518} me {G3427} word again {G518}, that {G3704} I may come {G2064} and worship {G4352} him {G846} also {G2504}.

Then he sent them to Beit-Lechem with these instructions: "Search carefully for the child; and when you find him, let me know, so that I too may go and worship him."

And sending them to Bethlehem, he said: “Go and search carefully for the Child, and when you find Him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship Him.”

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 captures a pivotal moment in the early life of Jesus, revealing King Herod's sinister intentions cloaked in false piety as he instructs the Magi to locate the newborn Christ. This verse highlights the deep contrast between genuine devotion and cunning deception.

Context

King Herod the Great, the Roman-appointed ruler of Judea, was deeply disturbed by the arrival of the Magi from the East, who inquired about the "King of the Jews" (Matthew 2:2). Feeling his throne threatened, Herod secretly gathered the chief priests and scribes to determine the Messiah's prophesied birthplace (Matthew 2:4), confirming Bethlehem. In this verse, Herod sends the Magi to Bethlehem, feigning a desire to worship the child himself, while secretly plotting to eliminate this perceived rival.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Herod's Deception and Hypocrisy: Herod's instruction to "search diligently" and his stated desire to "worship him also" were a cunning lie. His true aim was to eliminate any potential rival to his throne, revealing his deep insecurity and ruthless nature. This contrasts sharply with the Magi's sincere quest for true worship.
  • Divine Protection: Despite Herod's evil plot, God's sovereignty is evident. The subsequent events, particularly the Magi being warned in a dream (Matthew 2:12) and Joseph's flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:13), demonstrate God's unwavering protection over His Son and His divine plan, ultimately frustrating Herod's murderous intentions.
  • The Nature of True Worship: The Magi represent authentic devotion, traveling a great distance and offering costly gifts to honor the Christ child. Herod, conversely, uses the language of worship as a cover for murder, highlighting the stark difference between outward religious expression and inward malicious intent.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "diligently" is akribōs (ἀκριβῶς), meaning "accurately," "precisely," or "thoroughly." This emphasizes Herod's meticulous and calculating approach to finding the child, underscoring the sinister nature of his request. The word "worship" is proskynēsō (προσκυνήσω), which literally means "to prostrate oneself before," indicating deep reverence or submission. Herod's use of this term is a stark example of hypocrisy.

Practical Application

  • Discernment: This verse reminds believers to exercise discernment, as evil can often hide behind seemingly good intentions or religious language. Not everyone who claims to worship God does so sincerely.
  • God's Sovereignty: Even in the face of powerful opposition and wicked schemes, God's purposes cannot be thwarted. Believers can find comfort in the knowledge that God protects His own and ultimately brings His plans to fruition, as seen in the massacre of the innocents and subsequent divine intervention.
  • Authentic Worship: The Magi's example encourages genuine, sacrificial worship that seeks to honor Christ above all else, in contrast to superficial or self-serving religious acts.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:19

    For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:20

    And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

  • Jeremiah 41:5

    That there came certain from Shechem, from Shiloh, and from Samaria, [even] fourscore men, having their beards shaven, and their clothes rent, and having cut themselves, with offerings and incense in their hand, to bring [them] to the house of the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 41:7

    And it was [so], when they came into the midst of the city, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah slew them, [and cast them] into the midst of the pit, he, and the men that [were] with him.

  • Luke 20:20

    ¶ And they watched [him], and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

  • Luke 20:21

    And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person [of any], but teachest the way of God truly:

  • 1 Kings 19:2

    Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do [to me], and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.
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