The Flight to Egypt: Matthew 2:13-15
“13) Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord *appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.” 14) So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt. 15) He remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”” Matthew‬ ‭2:13-15‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬
After the magi departed for their own country by an alternative route, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in another dream. This time the dream included a sober warning.
Herod was going to search for the child to destroy him. To save the child, Joseph was to arise from his sleep and flee to Egypt. The timing was urgent.
We now have the story of another Joseph in Egypt. It is a second story of God using Egypt to preserve life. Egypt was off limits to Herod and his wicked plans.
Ironically, it was Pharaoh in Egypt who years earlier had devised a plan very similar to Herod to put all the male children of the Jewish people to death. His plan was also aimed at destroying the linage of the Messiah.
God intervened with the birth of Moses who eventually led the captive people out of slavery from Egypt. The Exodus became a prophetic picture of the Messiah as well. Matthew 2:15 points out the prophecy from Hosea 11:1 that says; “Out of Egypt did I call My Son.” Another obscure prophecy of the Messiah was being fulfilled.
Time was of the essence. That very hour of the night, Joseph arose and took the child and his mother and fled to Egypt. They remained there until the death of king Herod.
One can now see how providential the gifts from the magi were to fund this trip. God the Father had underwritten the care of His Son and this trip to Egypt. Joseph and Mary were able to keep a low profile while in Egypt. The text indicates that they remained there for an extended time.
I believe God is providential over geography in our lives as well. He wants to be our Provider as we sojourn through this life. Like Joseph, we need to follow His leading. His will for us also includes an Exodus from our Egypt. The work of Jesus on the cross and His resurrection provided for our freedom. Jesus wants to save us and set us free from slavery to sin.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global