Matthew 2:3

“When Herod the king had heard these things, etc.] 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,…”

“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.”

“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 come to an end. He therefore began to inquire in what way he might secure his own safety and the permanency of his government. All Jerusalem - The people of Jerusalem, and particularly the friends of…”

“2:3 Herod was deeply disturbed because he feared this child would rival him as king of the Jews.”

“he: Mat 8:29, Mat 23:37; Kg1 18:17, Kg1 18:18; Joh 11:47, Joh 11:48; Act 4:2, Act 4:24-27, Act 5:24-28; Act 16:20, Act 16:21, Act 17:6, Act 17:7 Matthew 2:4”