Our Daily Dose
Day 355 of 365 · Week 51 · The Armor of God
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The Flight to Egypt and the Massacre of the Innocents
Matthew 2:13-18
Scripture · Matthew 2:13-18
13When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” 14So he got up, took the Child and His mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt, 15where he stayed until the death of Herod. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” 16When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi. 17Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 18“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”
Berean Standard Bible (BSB), public domain.
After the visit of the Magi, Joseph is warned in a dream to flee to Egypt with Mary and the child Jesus to escape Herod’s wrath. This event fulfills another prophecy and highlights the dangers that surrounded Jesus’ early life.
Exegesis and Study
- The Flight to Egypt: Joseph’s obedience to the angel’s warning underscores his role as the protector of the Holy Family. The flight to Egypt fulfills the prophecy found in Hosea 11:1, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” This event parallels the story of Israel’s exodus from Egypt, positioning Jesus as the true Israel who would fulfill God’s redemptive plan.
- Herod’s Evil Decree: Herod’s decree to kill all the boys in Bethlehem under two years old reveals the depth of his paranoia and evil. This massacre, known as the “Massacre of the Innocents,” fulfills the prophecy in Jeremiah 31:15, which speaks of Rachel weeping for her lost children. The sorrow of this event contrasts sharply with the joy of Jesus’ birth, reminding us of the opposition and suffering that would characterize Jesus’ life and mission.
- Theological Significance: The flight to Egypt and subsequent return also symbolize Jesus’ role as the new Moses who would lead His people to freedom. Just as Moses led the Israelites out of physical bondage, Jesus would lead humanity out of spiritual bondage to sin and death.
Practical Application
- Obedience in Difficult Circumstances: Joseph’s immediate obedience to the angel’s command challenges us to be obedient to God’s guidance, even when it leads us into difficult or unknown situations. We are reminded that God’s plans may not always be easy, but they are always for our good and His glory.
- Trusting God’s Protection: The story of the flight to Egypt shows God’s protective care over Jesus and His family. Similarly, we can trust that God watches over us and guides us through the dangers and uncertainties of life. Even in the face of evil, God’s purposes will prevail.
Prayer Guide
- Pray for Obedience to God’s Guidance: Ask God to help you be obedient to His leading, even in difficult or uncertain situations. Pray for the faith to trust in His plans and the courage to follow where He leads.
- Pray for Trust in God’s Protection: Reflect on God’s protection over Jesus and His family during the flight to Egypt. Pray for the assurance that God is watching over you and protecting you in all circumstances.
This devotional is one day from Our Daily Dose, a 365-day journey through Scripture by Armstrong & Zanele Ogwuche.
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Scripture is shown in public-domain translations, so you can share it freely. The study text is from Our Daily Dose by Armstrong & Zanele Ogwuche.
A daily devotional from KingdomOS. Share freely; every card links back here.
A daily devotional from KingdomOS. Share freely; every card links back here.