Matthew 2:19 marks a pivotal point in the narrative of Jesus' early life. Let's break it down:
"But when Herod was dead...": This is the key piece of information. King Herod the Great, who felt threatened by the prophecy of a new King of the Jews (Jesus), had ordered the Massacre of the Innocents, killing all male children two years old and under in Bethlehem in an attempt to eliminate the potential threat. Herod's death removes this immediate danger to Jesus and his family.
"...behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt...": Divine intervention continues to guide Joseph. Similar to the earlier dreams where he was told to take Mary as his wife and to flee to Egypt, he receives another angelic message. Dreams were often seen as a means of communication from God in ancient times.
"...saying...": This indicates that the angel has a message for Joseph, which is revealed in the subsequent verse (Matthew 2:20): to return to the land of Israel.
In essence, the verse signifies the end of the imminent danger posed by Herod and the beginning of the next phase of Jesus' life, guided by divine direction.
Significance:
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Herod's death sets the stage for the fulfillment of prophecies about Jesus returning to the land of Israel.
Divine Protection: The angel's appearance underscores God's continued protection and guidance of Jesus.
Shift in Narrative: This verse marks a transition from the flight from danger to the return home.
Joseph's Role: Joseph's obedience to the angelic message highlights his role as a righteous protector and caregiver of Jesus.
Matthew 2:19 marks a pivotal point in the narrative of Jesus' early life. Let's break it down:
"But when Herod was dead...": This is the key piece of information. King Herod the Great, who felt threatened by the prophecy of a new King of the Jews (Jesus), had ordered the Massacre of the Innocents, killing all male children two years old and under in Bethlehem in an attempt to eliminate the potential threat. Herod's death removes this immediate danger to Jesus and his family.
"...behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt...": Divine intervention continues to guide Joseph. Similar to the earlier dreams where he was told to take Mary as his wife and to flee to Egypt, he receives another angelic message. Dreams were often seen as a means of communication from God in ancient times.
"...saying...": This indicates that the angel has a message for Joseph, which is revealed in the subsequent verse (Matthew 2:20): to return to the land of Israel.
In essence, the verse signifies the end of the imminent danger posed by Herod and the beginning of the next phase of Jesus' life, guided by divine direction.
Significance:
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Herod's death sets the stage for the fulfillment of prophecies about Jesus returning to the land of Israel.
Divine Protection: The angel's appearance underscores God's continued protection and guidance of Jesus.
Shift in Narrative: This verse marks a transition from the flight from danger to the return home.
Joseph's Role: Joseph's obedience to the angelic message highlights his role as a righteous protector and caregiver of Jesus.
