Matthew 2:22

"He arose and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel."

Key Reflection

Joseph's decision to journey from Egypt back to Israel, guided by divine instruction in a dream, underscores the ongoing protection and providence of God. In first-century Jewish culture, traveling to Israel was not merely a geographical move but symbolized returning to one’s spiritual homeland and fulfilling prophetic expectations, as foretold in Hosea 11:1 where God speaks of bringing his people back from exile.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 22. He heard that Archelaus did reign. Archelaus possessed a cruel and tyrannical disposition similar to his father. At one of the passovers he caused three thousand of the people to be put to death in the temple and city. For his crimes, after he had reigned nine years, he was banished by Augustus, the Roman emperor, to Gaul, where he died. Knowing his character, and fearing that he would not be safe there, Joseph hesitated about going there, and was directed by God to go to Galilee, a place of safety. The parts of Galilee. The country of Galilee. At this time the land of Palestine was divided into three parts: GALILEE, on the north; SAMARIA, in the middle; and Judea, on the south.

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