Matthew 2:3
Verse
Context
The Pilgrimage of the Magi
2asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”3When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.4And when he had assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
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.
John Gill Bible Commentary
When Herod the king had heard these things,.... That is, the report made by the wise men of the appearance of an unusual star, and of the birth of the king of the Jews, which they affirmed with all certainty, without any hesitation, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Herod was troubled, his mind was disturbed and made uneasy, fearing he should be deposed, and lose his kingdom, to which he knew he had no just right and claim, being a foreigner; and "all Jerusalem", i.e. all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, who heard of this, were also troubled, and showed a concern at it with him; either feignedly, as knowing his jealousy, suspicion and cruelty; or in reality, because of tumults, commotions and wars, they might fear would arise upon this, having lost the true notion of the Messiah, as a spiritual king, saviour and redeemer. And hereby was fulfilled, in part, the famous prophecy in Gen 49:10 according to the sense of one (w) of the Targumists on it, who paraphrases it after this manner; "Kings and governors shall not cease from the house of Judah, nor scribes, who teach the law, from his seed, until the time that the king Messiah, the least of his sons, comes, "and because of him", , "the people shall melt."'' that is, they shall be distressed and troubled, their hearts shall melt like wax within them; which was their present case, though perhaps the paraphrast may design the Gentiles. (w) Jonathan ben Uzziel in loc.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:3 Herod was deeply disturbed because he feared this child would rival him as king of the Jews.
Matthew 2:3
The Pilgrimage of the Magi
2asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”3When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.4And when he had assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
The Pre-Imminence of Christ
By Walter Wilson67837:41ChristGEN 5:24GEN 6:1MAT 2:3LUK 5:4JHN 5:7JHN 21:9REV 5:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the number eight in the Bible. They mention that David, the eighth son of his father, started a new dynasty in Israel, symbolizing a new beginning. The speaker also highlights the eight miracles in the book of John, explaining that the first and eighth miracles teach the same lesson, as do the second and seventh, the third and sixth, and the fourth and fifth. They emphasize that these miracles demonstrate different lessons, such as peace and overcoming fear. The speaker concludes by emphasizing that Jesus is the only one who can meet our needs and give us rest and salvation.
Compared View of the First Three Gospels, Etc.
By John Nelson Darby0The GospelsChrist's MinistryMAT 1:1MAT 4:17MAT 5:1MAT 9:35MAT 11:28MAT 28:19MRK 1:14LUK 3:23LUK 4:18John Nelson Darby discusses the distinct characteristics and purposes of the first three Gospels, emphasizing that Mark presents a chronological account of Christ's service, while Matthew focuses on the presentation of Jesus as the Messiah and the implications of His rejection. He notes that Luke, while generally following Mark's order, includes moral teachings that are unique to his Gospel. Darby highlights the importance of understanding the genealogies and the context of Christ's ministry, particularly in relation to Israel's expectations and the establishment of the church. He concludes that the Gospels collectively reveal the nature of Christ's mission and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
Paralysis of Preoccupation
By Leonard Ravenhill0Spiritual FocusUrgency of the GospelMAT 2:3MAT 11:28LUK 12:51JHN 7:43PHP 3:14COL 3:2HEB 12:1Leonard Ravenhill addresses the 'Paralysis of Preoccupation,' illustrating how King Herod, consumed by his political troubles, missed the monumental birth of Jesus just a short ride away. He emphasizes that while many were troubled by the news of Christ's birth, Mary and Joseph remained focused on their divine mission. Ravenhill warns that modern distractions have led believers to overlook the urgency of spiritual matters, urging them to reflect on their commitment to soul-saving and the moving of the Spirit. He challenges the church to rise above trivial concerns and recognize the significance of Christ's return, reminding them that preoccupation with lesser things can lead to spiritual stagnation. Ultimately, he calls for a renewed focus on the power and glory of Jesus, who is the door to greater spiritual riches.
Jesus the Troubler of Jerusalem
By Horatius Bonar0Readiness for the KingThe Troubling Presence of ChristMAT 2:3LUK 2:10JHN 1:11Horatius Bonar explores the troubling arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem, emphasizing how the news of His birth, rather than bringing joy, caused fear and unrest among the people and their king, Herod. The wise men from the East, however, approached with faith and reverence, seeking to worship the newborn King, highlighting the contrast between their eager acceptance and Jerusalem's troubled response. Bonar reflects on the deeper implications of Christ's coming, suggesting that His presence stirs the conscience and reveals unpreparedness, prompting a call to repentance and readiness for His reign. Ultimately, he reassures that while Christ's arrival may trouble, it is also an invitation to grace and joy for those willing to receive Him. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the joy and hope found in Christ's birth, death, and resurrection.
Luke Tells Us More About the Birth of Jesus Luke 2:1-20
By David Servant0MAT 2:3David Servant preaches on the miraculous circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy of the Old Testament prophet Micah. Despite the humble and challenging conditions of Jesus' birth, it was all part of God's divine plan to bring the Savior into the world. Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus in a manger exemplify God's sovereignty and how He works through seemingly difficult situations for His ultimate purpose, even when we may not understand it at the time.
Second Sermon on the Mount
By Sir Robert Anderson0MAT 1:1MAT 2:3MAT 4:24MAT 10:5MAT 13:41MAT 24:3Sir Robert Anderson delves into the Gospel of St. Matthew as the connecting link between the past and the future in prophecy, emphasizing the Messianic promises associated with David and Abraham. The sermon explores the significance of the Kingdom Gospel proclaimed by Jesus and the rejection of His Messianic claims by the Jewish leaders. It highlights the transition in Christ's ministry, from the open proclamation of the Kingdom to veiled teachings through parables, leading to a deeper understanding of the mysteries of the Kingdom.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
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.
John Gill Bible Commentary
When Herod the king had heard these things,.... That is, the report made by the wise men of the appearance of an unusual star, and of the birth of the king of the Jews, which they affirmed with all certainty, without any hesitation, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Herod was troubled, his mind was disturbed and made uneasy, fearing he should be deposed, and lose his kingdom, to which he knew he had no just right and claim, being a foreigner; and "all Jerusalem", i.e. all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, who heard of this, were also troubled, and showed a concern at it with him; either feignedly, as knowing his jealousy, suspicion and cruelty; or in reality, because of tumults, commotions and wars, they might fear would arise upon this, having lost the true notion of the Messiah, as a spiritual king, saviour and redeemer. And hereby was fulfilled, in part, the famous prophecy in Gen 49:10 according to the sense of one (w) of the Targumists on it, who paraphrases it after this manner; "Kings and governors shall not cease from the house of Judah, nor scribes, who teach the law, from his seed, until the time that the king Messiah, the least of his sons, comes, "and because of him", , "the people shall melt."'' that is, they shall be distressed and troubled, their hearts shall melt like wax within them; which was their present case, though perhaps the paraphrast may design the Gentiles. (w) Jonathan ben Uzziel in loc.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:3 Herod was deeply disturbed because he feared this child would rival him as king of the Jews.