When he had privily called. — True to his nature to the last — himself probably a believer in astrology, and haunted by fears of what the star portended — the king’s next measure is to ascertain the limits of his danger. The English “what time the star appeared” is not quite accurate. Literally, the time of the star that was appearing — i.e., at what time the star, which was still visible (Matthew 2:9), had first appeared.
Enquired of them diligently. — Better, ascertained exactly.