Luke 23:8

Desirous to see him. Herod had now been living in adultery for some time (see on Matt. 14:3; Mark 6:17). About a year had passed since his murder of John the Baptist (see on Mark 6:1, 29), and his conscience continued to trouble him over the matter. At first he had feared that Jesus might be John the Baptist raised from the dead (see on Mark 6:14, 16). For some time Herod had earnestly desired an opportunity to have an interview with Jesus (see on Luke 9:9).

Seen some miracle. Curiosity seems to have been another motive that prompted Herod in his desire to have an interview with Jesus. He had the decrepit and maimed brought into the palace and promised to release Jesus as a reward for healing them (DA 729). Should Jesus do so, this would, presumably, constitute evidence that He was a genuine prophet and consequently not guilty of the charges the Jews preferred against Him. Thus Herod’s curiosity would be satisfied. At the same time he would have sufficient grounds for releasing Jesus over any possible protest of the Jewish leaders.