Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 2:7

7 Then Herod when he had privily called the wise men enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

Herod having heard the Answer of the Priests and Scribes, did not think fit to make any noise of it amongst the People, he knew the Iews were apt enough to rebel, and being so late a Conqueror had no reason to presume much of their good Will towards him, he therefore calls the Wise Men privily, and takes no notice of any King they talkt of, but only inquireth the time, When this new Star first appeared, to what end he made this inquiry, may be learned from v. 16. only that he might be able to Govern himself in his bloody Decree, that he might neither destroy more Children than would serve his present Design, nor yet leave this Child behind.