Flight to Egypt

Matthew 2:13–23
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Aesop has a helpful fable. Once upon a time some mice gathered to decide upon the best means of ridding themselves of the cat who had killed many of their friends and relatives. Various plans were discussed and rejected, until, at last, a young mouse came forward proposing that a … More

Warning

A special divine revelation in the form of a warning was given both to the wise men and to Joseph in the form of a dream (vv. 13-15). He is warned to take Jesus and Mary and flee to Egypt (v. 13). The reason being that Herod would be searching for the child to kill him. The question might be, why Egypt? Among other things it was so that the prophet’s words, “out of Egypt I called my son” might be fulfilled (Hosea 11:1).

The move into Egypt was of course to escape danger. Herod’s pride was hurt and he was angry when the wise men failed to return and tell him where the baby Jesus could be found. This led him to kill all the boy babies two years of age and under who were still in Bethlehem (vv. 16-18). Probably not more than 20 children were slain (of course one is too many) for there were not that many male children of this age group in a small village like Bethlehem. Even today only 20,900 people live there.
 
The bitter reaction of Herod should not surprise us because his crimes were many. In fact he put to death  several of his own children and some of his wives whom he thought were plotting against him. When Herod died Joseph was again spoken to by an angel of the Lord and told to return to the land (vv. 19-23). Herod was succeeded by his son Archelaus who was as brutal as his father. Again Joseph was warned in a dream not to return to Bethlehem but instead to move back to Nazareth. This was once again a fulfillment of prophecy (v. 23). Four times in this short narrative, Joseph received devine instructiions through dreams. On one occasion the wise men are warned. God uses many methods to communicate His will to us. (Matt. 27:19). 

Application

How did God speak to Joseph in this passage? How did Joseph respond? How does God speak to me today? How should I respond?

Matthew 2:13-23 (English Standard Version)


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