Albert Barnes on Matthew 12:14

The Pharisees--held a council, etc. Mark adds, that the Herodians also took a part in this plot. They were probably a political party, attached firmly to Herod. Mt 3:7. The friends of Herod were opposed to Christ, and ever ready to join any plot against his life. They remembered, doubtless, the attempts of Herod the Great against him when he was the Babe of Bethlehem; and they were stung with the memory of the escape of Jesus from his bloody hands. The attempt against him now was the effect of envy. They were enraged also that he had foiled them in the argument; they hated his popularity; they were losing their influence; and they, therefore, resolved to take him out of the way.

(1) "council" or, "took counsel"