Matthew 2:20

"But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,"

Key Reflection

In Matthew 2:20, when Herod the Great, who had ordered the massacre of infants to eliminate potential rivals, died, an angel appeared in a dream to Joseph, instructing him to return to Israel. The original audience would have recognized this as a divine intervention to ensure the safety of Jesus and his mother, mirroring previous miraculous protections detailed in the narrative. This event underscores the theme of divine providence safeguarding the young Messiah from the hostile intentions of earthly rulers.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 20. They are dead which sought, etc. This either refers to Herod alone, as is not uncommon, using the plural number for the singular; or it may refer to Herod and his son Antipater. He was of the same cruel disposition as his father, and was put to death by his father about five days before his own death. {f} "they are dead" Ex 4:19 __________________________________________________________________

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