3 Reports of this soon reached the king, and greatly agitated not only him but all the people of Jerusalem.

4 So he assembled all the High Priests and Scribes of the people, and anxiously asked them where the Christ was to be born.

5 »At Bethlehem in Judaea,« they replied; »for so it stands written in the words of the Prophet,

6 »And thou, Bethlehem in the land of Judah, by no means the least honorable art thou among princely places in Judah! For from thee shall come a prince–one who shall be the Shepherd of My People Israel.'«

7 Thereupon Herod sent privately for the Magi and ascertained from them the exact time of the star's appearing.

8 He then directed them to go to Bethlehem, adding, »Go and make careful inquiry about the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and do him homage.«