Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men (astrologers) from the East
came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East at its
rising, and have come to worship Him. (Jer. 23:5; Zech. 9:9; Num. 24:17). When Herod the king heard this, he was disturbed
and troubled, and the whole of Jerusalem with him. So he called together all the chief priests and learned men (scribes) of the
people, and anxiously asked them where the Christ was to be born. They replied to him, In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is
written by the prophet: And you Bethelem, in the land of Judah; you are not in any way least or insignificant among the chief cities of Judah; for from you shall come a Ruler Who will govern and shepherd My people Israel. (Micah 5:2). Then Herod sent for the wisemen secretly, and accurately to the last point ascertained from them the time of the appearing of the star - that is, how long the star had made itself visible since its rising in the East. Then he sent them to Bethlehem saying, "Go and search out the Child carefully and diligently, and when you have found Him bring me word, that I too may come and worship Him."