Matthew 2:20 - “Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the young child’s life are dead.”
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What does "Matthew 2:20" mean?
This verse, Matthew 2:20, is a message delivered to Joseph in a dream by an angel. It's a pivotal moment in the narrative of the nativity story, specifically the return from Egypt. Let's break it down:
"Arise and take the young child and his mother...": This is a direct command, instructing Joseph to wake up and prepare to move. "The young child" refers to Jesus, and "his mother" is Mary.
"...and go into the land of Israel...": The angel directs Joseph to return to Israel. This is significant because earlier, he fled to Egypt to protect Jesus from Herod's persecution.
"...for those who sought the young child’s life are dead.": This is the reason for the return. The threat that prompted the flight to Egypt, King Herod, has died. Herod had ordered the Massacre of the Innocents in an attempt to kill the infant Jesus, whom he saw as a potential rival to his throne. The angel's statement assures Joseph that the danger is over.
In essence, the verse means:
God is telling Joseph, through an angel, that it's safe to return to Israel with Jesus and Mary because King Herod, the one who wanted to kill Jesus, is now dead. The reason for their exile in Egypt no longer exists, and they can go back to their homeland.
Significance of the verse:
Divine Guidance: The dream emphasizes God's active role in protecting Jesus and guiding the Holy Family.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: The return to Israel echoes Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's connection to the land.
Transition in the Story: This verse marks a transition from the period of hiding and fleeing to the next phase of Jesus' life in Israel.
Matthew 2:20 - “Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the young child’s life are dead.”
What does "Matthew 2:20" mean?
This verse, Matthew 2:20, is a message delivered to Joseph in a dream by an angel. It's a pivotal moment in the narrative of the nativity story, specifically the return from Egypt. Let's break it down:
"Arise and take the young child and his mother...": This is a direct command, instructing Joseph to wake up and prepare to move. "The young child" refers to Jesus, and "his mother" is Mary.
"...and go into the land of Israel...": The angel directs Joseph to return to Israel. This is significant because earlier, he fled to Egypt to protect Jesus from Herod's persecution.
"...for those who sought the young child’s life are dead.": This is the reason for the return. The threat that prompted the flight to Egypt, King Herod, has died. Herod had ordered the Massacre of the Innocents in an attempt to kill the infant Jesus, whom he saw as a potential rival to his throne. The angel's statement assures Joseph that the danger is over.
In essence, the verse means:
God is telling Joseph, through an angel, that it's safe to return to Israel with Jesus and Mary because King Herod, the one who wanted to kill Jesus, is now dead. The reason for their exile in Egypt no longer exists, and they can go back to their homeland.
Significance of the verse:
Divine Guidance: The dream emphasizes God's active role in protecting Jesus and guiding the Holy Family.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: The return to Israel echoes Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's connection to the land.
Transition in the Story: This verse marks a transition from the period of hiding and fleeing to the next phase of Jesus' life in Israel.