{Sent them to Bethlehem and said} (pempsas autous eis
B(8874)hleem eipen). Simultaneous aorist participle, "sending said."
They were to "search out accurately" (exetasate akrib(9373))
concerning the child. Then "bring me word, that I also may come
and worship him." The deceit of Herod seemed plausible enough and
might have succeeded but for God's intervention to protect His
Son from the jealous rage of Herod.