Out of Egypt

The Passage

Matthew 2:19-23 NKJV

19 Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child's life are dead." 21 Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. 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."

 A Little Background

Due to multiple wars and military takeovers,all the lands around and including Israel were occupied by various super powers.  Egypt was also under Roman domination; however, Herod had no jurisdiction there.  God in His holy and awesome sovereignty prepared a safe place for Jesus in Egypt, fulfilling the prophecy of Hosea 11:1, “...out of Egypt I have called my son.” 

Some Explanation

We don’t know exactly how old Jesus was at the time His family returned to Nazareth.  According to secular history, Herod the Great died in 4 B.C.  Some scholars say He may have been as old as six or seven. An angel again appeared to Joseph to tell him that Herod had died and to take Jesus back to Israel.  The position of King was appointed by Rome, not necessarily as by family line.  It’s implied that Joseph may have been on his way to Bethlehem.  But when Joseph heard that indeed Herod’s son Archelaus reigned, he was warned in a dream again, and did not take the family to Judea, the region in which Bethlehem and Judea were located.  Instead, Joseph returned to Nazareth in Galillee.

Observations and Insights

Oh, how I love the riches of God’s Word.  Have you ever received a big present, only to open it and find another present inside?  And opened that one to find yet another?  This passage of Matthew 2:19-23 is somewhat like that.  We open this gift of Scripture and find Joseph obeying the angel’s warning to take Jesus and Mary to Egypt to protect them from Herod.  Then we read that they went there, “...until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”  That little phrase is a beautiful and valuable treasure.  Let’s open it up and see what’s inside!

Before Israel was a nation, it was a family of 12 sons.  Because of Jacob’s favoritism toward his son, Joseph, his jealous brothers sold him into slavery.  Eventually, Joseph came into Egypt where he was kept as a prisoner of Pharaoh (the king).  You can read the entire history in Genesis 37-50.  Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and foretold of coming famine.  Pharaoh rewarded Joseph by making him second in command of all the land.  Through God’s amazing and faithful sovereignty He brought Joseph’s family including his father and eleven brothers to Egypt because the famine also reached Canaan.  God protected both the family and all of Egypt through Joseph’s wisdom and God’s revelation to him. 

Jacob’s sons’ families grew from twelve large families into what was known as the Hebrews or the Twelve Tribes of Israel (Israel was another name for Jacob).  Israel didn’t leave Egypt after the famine was over.  Eventually other Pharaohs came into power that did not remember what Joseph had done.  The Hebrews became slaves in bondage to Pharaoh.  

1 Corinthians 10:11 tells us that the things that happened to the Old Testament saints are examples for us to learn from.  God providentially used Egypt as a safe haven for the family, but their time there turned to bondage as the years went by.  After four hundred years, God sent Moses to deliver them from Pharaoh’s cruel oppression.

About 1400 years later, another Joseph fled to Egypt for refuge.  He stayed there with Jesus and Mary, safe from Herod’s reach.  Jesus didn’t stay in Egypt; he left with Joseph and Mary when the angel said it was safe to go back home. 

Everyone who has believed on Jesus’ death and resurrection for forgiveness of sin is a true child of God.  In our last entry, I wrote about our heavenly Father’s chastening.  He uses the trials and challenges of life to train us into godliness.  I see a valuable treasure in this Scripture.  Like many, I have experienced many hindrances and frustrations in my life.  I’ve shed my share of tears for answers that never came.  Sometimes, I’ve felt like I have been in Egypt.  But as time has gone on, I’ve looked backed and seen God’s sovereignty at work protecting me, growing me, strengthening me.
  

Perhaps circumstances take us to places in life we never thought we would be.  Maybe we are trapped there.  We can allow Egypt’s addictive behaviors, hatred, self-pity, bitterness and anger to keep us bound.  Or we can trust the wisdom of our heavenly Father.  Since I have begun my walk through the Gospels, I have been growing in my love for Jesus as I meet Him there.  I find that I am becoming more focused on Him rather than my own self interests.  I’ve gained greater peace and a surprising sense of contentment. 

Jesus didn’t stay in Egypt.  The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to lead you out of bondage.  But if you find yourself in a permanent life circumstance, don’t let its Egypt get into your heart.  Learn to trust the Lord there and keep your focus fixed on Jesus.  He can lead your heart to fullness of joy despite your situation.

Next:     Luke 2:39-52