Matthew 2:13
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While a common reading focuses on Herod's threat, the angel's instruction to "remain there until I tell you" is key. This wasn't just a hurried escape; Joseph was to stay put in Egypt until specifically directed by God to return, highlighting God's ongoing guidance and detailed plan for Jesus' protection.
Just after the wise men left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, urgently telling him to take Jesus and Mary and flee to Egypt. This flight was necessary because King Herod was already plotting to find and kill the child, highlighting the immediate danger Jesus faced from the start. The instruction to go to Egypt, a land familiar with Jewish exiles, offered safety beyond Herod's reach until further guidance was given.
Danger forces a young family to flee their homeland. Where do they go, and why does God choose this specific place?
A Refuge in Unexpected Places
When Herod the king posed a deadly threat to the infant Jesus, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, commanding him: "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt." This wasn't just a random suggestion; Egypt was a deliberate choice.
This wasn't merely a practical solution; it was a divine orchestration, ensuring Jesus's safety even as He entered a world hostile to Him.
Joseph receives a command that disrupts everything. What does this reveal about how God works through our obedience, even when the path isn't fully clear?
Obedience in the Unknown
The angel’s message to Joseph was urgent and direct: "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt." But it also contained an element of uncertainty: "remain there until I tell you." This placed a significant test of faith upon Joseph.
Understand the original words
angelos · Greek Noun
A messenger of God sent to communicate His divine will to humanity. Angels are created spiritual beings who serve as agents of God’s intervention in history.
pheugō · Greek Verb
To escape or run away from danger, persecution, or judgment. Biblically, it often describes a divinely guided movement to safety or away from divine wrath.
apollymi · Greek Verb
To ruin, slay, or render useless. In this context, it refers to the intent of an oppressor to end a life or thwart God's sovereign plan.
This flight to Egypt, ordered by an angel, was a divine act of preservation. It not only protected Jesus from Herod's violent paranoia but also echoed the Exodus of Israel from Egypt, fulfilling ancient prophecy and showing God's protective hand on His Son even amidst political turmoil and danger.
c. 73 BC - 4 BC
Reign of Herod the Great
Herod the Great ruled Judea as a client king of Rome. Known for his building projects and political maneuvering, he was also notoriously paranoid and ruthless, especially concerning threats to his throne.
c. 6 BC - 4 BC
Birth of Jesus
Jesus is born in Bethlehem during the reign of Herod the Great, fulfilling prophecies and attracting attention from Magi and local shepherds.
c. 4 BC
Magi Visit Herod
Wise men from the East arrive in Jerusalem asking about the newborn 'king of the Jews,' prompting Herod to summon them and inquire about the child's birth.
c. 4 BC— this verse
Angel Warns Joseph
An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to flee to Egypt with Jesus and Mary to escape Herod's murderous plot.
This verse is directly quoted in Matthew 2:15, explaining that Jesus' flight to Egypt was a fulfillment of prophecy, echoing how God called Israel out of Egypt.
Exodus 4:19-20Similar to Joseph receiving a dream-filled instruction from God to flee, Moses was also instructed by God in a dream to return to Egypt with his family.
1 Kings 11:40This passage highlights a previous instance where a future leader, Jeroboam, fled to Egypt to escape a king's wrath, showing Egypt as a recurring place of refuge from oppressive rulers.
Matthew 2:19-20This passage describes the angel appearing to Joseph again in a dream, instructing him to return from Egypt after Herod's death, showing God's ongoing guidance throughout their exile.
barnesMatthew 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."
The angel appeareth to Joseph in a dream - See Matthew 1:20 . Flee into Egypt - Egypt is situated to the southwest of Judea, and is distant from Bethlehem perhaps about 60 miles. It was at this time a Roman province. The…
meyerMatthew 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."
Matthew 2:13 . Ἀναχωρ . δὲ αὐτῶν ] The divine direction and flight into Egypt must be conceived as taking place immediately after the departure of the Magi. Matthew 2:16 . φαίνεται ] historic present. The continuation of…
While a common reading focuses on Herod's threat, the angel's instruction to "remain there until I tell you" is key. This wasn't just a hurried escape; Joseph was to stay put in Egypt until specifically directed by God to return, highlighting God's ongoing guidance and detailed plan for Jesus' protection.
Just after the wise men left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, urgently telling him to take Jesus and Mary and flee to Egypt. This flight was necessary because King Herod was already plotting to find and kill the child, highlighting the immediate danger Jesus faced from the start. The instruction to go to Egypt, a land familiar with Jewish exiles, offered safety beyond Herod's reach until further guidance was given.
Just after the wise men left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, urgently telling him to take Jesus and Mary and flee to Egypt. This flight was necessary because King Herod was already plotting to find and kill the child, highlighting the immediate danger Jesus faced from the start. The instruction to go to Egypt, a land familiar with Jewish exiles, offered safety beyond Herod's reach until further guidance was given.
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Joseph's willingness to obey without knowing the full picture demonstrates a profound trust in God's overarching plan and His watchful care for Jesus.
c. 4 BC
Herod's Massacre of Innocents
After the Magi do not return, a furious Herod orders the slaughter of all young boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity, seeking to eliminate the potential rival.
c. 4 BC
Death of Herod the Great
Herod the Great dies, marking the end of his tyrannical reign and creating a political vacuum in Judea.
c. 4 BC - AD 1
Return to and Settlement in Nazareth
Following Herod's death, an angel directs Joseph to return to Israel. After learning Herod's son Archelaus rules Judea, Joseph settles the family in Nazareth, Galilee.
"Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to des…" — While a common reading focuses on Herod's threat, the angel's instruction to "remain there until I tell you" is key. This wasn't just a hurried escape; Joseph was to stay put in Egypt until specifica…
