Definition: Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 2:7. It's a really important little snippet about how the story of the Star of Bethlehem begins! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Herod was asking the wise men – who were already busy with prophecies and looking for signs – when the star appeared. Let’s unpack that a bit: Herod: This is a king in Judea (modern-day Israel) during the time of Jesus. He's known for being powerful and perhaps a little ruthless. Privately Called: He wasn't announcing this to anyone. He was doing it secretly, meaning he wasn’t telling everyone about it. Inquired Diligently: This means he asked the wise men very carefully and thoroughly – not just a quick answer. What Time? The question is about when the star appeared. It's about figuring out when the prophecy would come true! The Significance: This verse is a key part of the story because it tells us that the star wasn’t just a random coincidence. It was a sign that God was going to bring a savior (Jesus) into the world. The wise men's question shows that God was working in secret and preparing for a big event. In short, it’s about recognizing that God is involved in our lives and has a plan. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Talk more specifically about the meaning of the Star of Bethlehem legend?