Matthew 2
The Story of the Flight to Egypt
Joseph flees with Mary and the young child to Egypt, escaping Herod's murderous rage until it is safe to return.
Setting and Context
The flight follows the Magi's departure. Matthew presents Jesus as the true Son called out of Egypt, while Herod's violence fulfills Rachel weeping for her children.
The Story
After the wise men depart, the angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream: Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt. Herod will seek the young child to destroy Him.
Joseph arises and departs by night. They remain in Egypt until Herod's death. Meanwhile Herod, mocked by the Magi, sends and slays the children in Bethlehem and its coasts.
When Herod is dead, an angel tells Joseph to return to the land of Israel. Warned again about Archelaus, Joseph turns aside into Galilee and dwells in Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets.
Meaning and Importance
An angel warns Joseph in a dream to take the young child and His mother into Egypt. They depart by night. Herod kills the children of Bethlehem, and later Joseph brings the family back to dwell in Nazareth.
The flight to Egypt shows God's protection of the Messiah through obedient Joseph. Refuge and return belong to providence. The story also faces the cost of evil power opposed to Christ.
Biblical Art Connected to This Story
Key KJV Verses
Matthew 2:13
“And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.”
Read Matthew 2Matthew 2:14
“When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:”
Read Matthew 2Matthew 2:15
“And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.”
Read Matthew 2Matthew 2:16
“Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.”
Read Matthew 2Matthew 2:23
“And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.”
Read Matthew 2What This Story Teaches
- God protects His purposes through timely guidance.
- Obedience may mean sudden, costly flight.
- Christ identifies with the vulnerable under threat.
Questions about Flight to Egypt
Where is the flight to Egypt in the Bible?
The flight into Egypt is recorded in Matthew 2.
Why did Joseph take Jesus to Egypt?
An angel warned him that Herod would seek the young child to destroy Him.
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