which they saw in the east] It did not come before them to Jerusalem, nor appeared to them there, for then they would have shewed it to Herod, and the Jews, and not have said onely, We have seen his star in the east, verse 2. went before them] It appeared not for a time, that they might by enquiry acquaint the Jews at Jerusalem with the birth of Christ, which in likelihood, if the star had before led them to Bethlehem, they would not have done. and stood over where the young childe was] It left them not, till it brought them to Christ. This might be a means to keep them from being offended at his low condition, wherein they found him.