chief priests, &c.: i.e. the high priest and other priests who were members of the Sanhedrin, or National Council.
scribes of the People. the Sopherim, denoting the learned men of the People; learned in the Scriptures, and elders of the Sanhedrin. This incident shows that intellectual knowledge of the Scriptures without experimental delight in them is useless. Here it was used by Herod to compass Christ's death (compare Luke 22:66). The scribes had no desire toward the person of the "Governor", whereas the wise men were truly wise, in that they sought the person of Him of Whom the Scriptures spoke and were soon found at His feet. Head-knowledge without heart-love may be used against Christ.
demanded. kept enquiring.
where, &c. This was the first of the two important questions: the other being "what time", &c, Matthew 2:7.
Christ. the Messiah. See App-98.