Book of Matthew - Chapter 2 - Verse 19

After the death of King Herod, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream while he was in Egypt. This event signifies a pivotal moment in the life of Joseph and his family, as it marks the end of their time in exile and the beginning of their return to their homeland. The appearance of the angel not only provides Joseph with guidance and reassurance but also demonstrates the divine intervention and protection over the Holy Family. It reinforces the belief that God is constantly watching over his people and guiding them towards His divine plan. The dream serves as a miraculous sign that Joseph should now return to the land of Israel with Mary and Jesus, as the threat posed by King Herod is no longer present. This verse highlights the importance of faith, obedience to God's will, and the significance of divine messages that are delivered through dreams in the biblical narrative.

One possible theological interpretation of this verse is that it highlights the protection and guidance provided by God to Joseph and his family. The death of Herod, who had sought to kill Jesus, signaled the end of the threat to the young child's life. The appearance of an angel of the Lord in a dream to Joseph in Egypt signifies divine intervention and care for the safety of Jesus. This can be seen as an affirmation of God's sovereignty over the affairs of humanity and His commitment to fulfilling His purposes, even in the face of human opposition.

Additionally, a word study on the term "angel" in this verse could provide further insight into the nature and role of these divine beings in biblical narratives. The word "angel" comes from the Greek word "angelos," which means messenger. In this context, the angel of the Lord serves as a messenger from God, bringing important information or instructions to Joseph. This emphasizes the supernatural communication between heaven and earth, demonstrating the active involvement of heavenly beings in carrying out God's will on earth.