“In Bethlehem of Judea,” they said, “for it is written this way by the prophet:

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, in the time of King Herod, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem

‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are in no way least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and look carefully for the child. When you find him, inform me so that I can go and worship him as well.”

When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he became enraged. He sent men to kill all the children in Bethlehem and throughout the surrounding region from the age of two and under, according to the time he had learned from the wise men.

After listening to the king they left, and once again the star they saw when it rose led them until it stopped above the place where the child was.