This verse, Matthew 2:14, describes a critical moment in the infancy narrative of Jesus: Joseph fleeing to Egypt with Mary and the baby Jesus. Let's break it down:
"He arose": Refers to Joseph, Jesus's foster father. It indicates he acted quickly and decisively.
"and took the young child and his mother by night": This highlights the urgency and secrecy of their departure. Herod's threat was imminent, necessitating a clandestine escape. "The young child" clearly refers to the infant Jesus, and "his mother" is Mary.
"and departed into Egypt": Egypt, being outside of Herod's jurisdiction, offered refuge. There was also a large Jewish population in Egypt at that time, which likely offered them a place to settle and blend in.
In essence, the verse means:
Joseph, obeying a divine warning (delivered in a dream, as described in Matthew 2:13), woke up in the middle of the night and immediately took Mary and the baby Jesus and fled to Egypt to escape the threat of King Herod, who sought to kill Jesus.
Significance:
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Some interpret this event as fulfilling the prophecy in Hosea 11:1, "Out of Egypt I have called my son."
Protection of Jesus: It underscores God's active protection of Jesus from harm, ensuring the fulfillment of God's plan.
Joseph's Obedience: It highlights Joseph's obedience to God's instructions, demonstrating his righteousness and his role as a protector of Jesus.
Flight as a Theme: The flight into Egypt is a motif found elsewhere in the Bible and highlights themes of exile, refuge, and God's care for his people.
This verse is a vital part of the narrative that establishes Jesus's identity as the Messiah and sets the stage for his future ministry. It also presents Joseph as a righteous and obedient man who acts decisively to protect his family.
This verse, Matthew 2:14, describes a critical moment in the infancy narrative of Jesus: Joseph fleeing to Egypt with Mary and the baby Jesus. Let's break it down:
"He arose": Refers to Joseph, Jesus's foster father. It indicates he acted quickly and decisively.
"and took the young child and his mother by night": This highlights the urgency and secrecy of their departure. Herod's threat was imminent, necessitating a clandestine escape. "The young child" clearly refers to the infant Jesus, and "his mother" is Mary.
"and departed into Egypt": Egypt, being outside of Herod's jurisdiction, offered refuge. There was also a large Jewish population in Egypt at that time, which likely offered them a place to settle and blend in.
In essence, the verse means:
Joseph, obeying a divine warning (delivered in a dream, as described in Matthew 2:13), woke up in the middle of the night and immediately took Mary and the baby Jesus and fled to Egypt to escape the threat of King Herod, who sought to kill Jesus.
Significance:
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Some interpret this event as fulfilling the prophecy in Hosea 11:1, "Out of Egypt I have called my son."
Protection of Jesus: It underscores God's active protection of Jesus from harm, ensuring the fulfillment of God's plan.
Joseph's Obedience: It highlights Joseph's obedience to God's instructions, demonstrating his righteousness and his role as a protector of Jesus.
Flight as a Theme: The flight into Egypt is a motif found elsewhere in the Bible and highlights themes of exile, refuge, and God's care for his people.
This verse is a vital part of the narrative that establishes Jesus's identity as the Messiah and sets the stage for his future ministry. It also presents Joseph as a righteous and obedient man who acts decisively to protect his family.