Matthew 2:19 Commentary and Bible Study

(Synoptics: Matthew 2:19-23)Herod died, and the cruel murderer went to judgment at the appointed time. A divine message is given to Joseph that it is safe to return, and it is not simply left to human news reports to reach his ears. Joseph receives that call out of Egypt which Israel of old had received, a call which Hosea confirms and which his prophecy reveals would also be true of God’s own incarnate Son. How could it be that God’s typical son, the nation of Israel, could be called in this way, and not God’s actual Son, the Lord Jesus Christ? Even this detail is to be fulfilled exactly, through this series of events.Again, the communication to Joseph is through a dream, and again the angel of the Lord is given this role in the providences which surround the holy child. The words are repeated, ‘Arise, and take the young child and his mother.’ The instruction comes to Joseph, who is the earthly guardian of the child, for God has given parents to protect the young during their years of vulnerability, and even the Son of man is given this provision, so that a mere fallible human being is for a time put in charge of the welfare of the incarnate Son of God. He who upholds all things by the word of his power, has a weak and fallen human being to guard him and lead him by the hand. What amazing condescension on the part of the second person of the Trinity. Not only Herod is dead, but also those who cooperated with his evil schemes and who in turn brought great guilt on themselves. He could not carry out this work single handed. It seems that Herod was aware that Christ had evaded him, and was still alive, but he was unable to pursue him into Egypt, and the search had now been abandoned. Joseph is instructed to return with the family into Israel, for that is where they belong and where the work of redemption is going to be carried out.