2. Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews ― The magi entering Jerusalem were seeking this new king but did not know where he was.

❑ When a new king is born, it is assumed he is in the royal palace. This is the first place the magi would have arrived and started asking. Word of the magi and a newborn king quickly traveled through the palace and ultimately to Herod.

Saw his star in the east ― The magi saw the star while they were in the east, as it states, “magi from the east” (v.1) – but traveled west to locate the future king.

♻️ Traveling West
When Adam was exiled from Eden, he was exiled to the east[1]. West is the direction Adam would have to travel to get back to Hashem’s presence in Eden. When Cain sinned, he was banished further to the east[2]. When the temple was built (mirroring Eden), the gate to enter was on the east, so the priests would enter the holy places headed west and go back into the land when they left the temple going east.

❑ This is the fulfillment of prophecy, “A star will come out of Jacob” – This prophecy states the דרך (way) of the star (Messiah) will be from a period of Jacob before he became Israel. Yet the scepter will come after Jacob became Israel[3]. This is to say that Messiah will come during a corrupt nation and show them the way signaled by a star. Afterwards he will come with a scepter and rule over them. Balaam made the prophecy of the star in Numbers 24:17 and was from the east[4] and an astrologer of Pharoah[5].

❑ “I see him but not now, I behold him, but not near. A star shall come out of Jacob. A scepter will rise out of Israel.” (Numbers 24:17). Are we not told that Israel is not governed by the stars (Shabbat 156a)? This is Messiah’s arrival to a nation unworthy of redemption; he does not rule or govern Israel but only calls them to repent and is found lowly on the back of a donkey (Zechariah 9:9). But when does Messiah become a scepter? Only after he has risen and ascended – then he will come with the clouds of heaven (Sanhedrin 98a) and rule as a scepter. As it is written “A scepter will rise” and “come with the clouds of heaven”.

Come to prostrate [προσκυνῆσαι] before him ― The Greek LXX employs προσκυνῆσαι numerous times when showing respect to someone worthy of honor[6]. However, this honor is not to be given to false gods nor is it due to ungodly rulers[7] and is considered idolatry to do so.

👑 Messiah is one like David – for it is written, “the congregation bowed and προσκυνῆσαι Hashem and King David” (1 Chronicles 29:20).

3. he [Herod] was troubled ― Herod was notoriously paranoid about threats to his power. The people were claiming that a new King of the Jews (Herod’s current title) had been born, and thus a threat to his kingship.

And all Jerusalem with him ― Israel knew that the signs of heaven were not something to be afraid of as it states, “Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the heavens, though the nations are terrified by them.” (Jeremiah 10:2-4). They were not terrified of the sign of heaven or a coming king, but rather of Herod – the existing king.

❑ It states “and all Jerusalem with him” rather than “him and all of Jerusalem” because Herod’s anger knew no bounds. Herod’s reaction to perceived threats was often swift and brutal. The populace of Jerusalem, aware of Herod’s history of ruthless actions to secure his power, feared the potential for violent reprisals. The announcement of a new king would lead to increased surveillance, arrests, and even executions, contributing to a general sense of unease and fear.

4. Gathering the chief priests and scribes ― The magi are unaware of the location of the Messiah but know when the Messiah was born. The scribes and priests are unaware the Messiah was born but know the location where he will be born. Herod strategically gathered all necessary information without arousing suspicion from either group.