Book of Matthew - Chapter 2 - Verse 14

When Joseph and Mary were warned in a dream about King Herod's plan to harm baby Jesus, they quickly fled to Egypt to protect him. This event fulfilled the prophecy in Hosea 11:1 that states, "Out of Egypt I called my son." By taking Jesus and Mary to Egypt, Joseph ensured the safety of the young child, as Egypt was outside of Herod's jurisdiction. This verse also demonstrates Joseph's obedience to God's guidance, as he didn't hesitate to act upon the message he received in his dream.

When analyzing the theological implications of the verse "When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt," we find a profound significance in the actions of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. This moment reveals the obedience and trust of Joseph in carrying out God's plan to protect Jesus from King Herod's threats. The journey to Egypt signifies the fulfillment of prophecy regarding Jesus as the Messiah, as seen in Hosea 11:1 which states, "Out of Egypt I called my son." This event also parallels the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, highlighting Jesus as the ultimate deliverer. Additionally, the act of fleeing at night demonstrates the urgency and secrecy required to escape Herod's wrath. The choice of Egypt as a place of refuge reflects the historical context of Egypt being a place of safety for God's people in times of trouble. In studying the words used in this verse, we see that the departure into Egypt was a decisive and intentional action, emphasizing the divine guidance and protection surrounding Jesus' early life.