Matthew 2:15
“And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.”
Context:Matthew 2:15 is a part of the narrative surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. In this particular verse, Matthew mentions how Joseph, Mary, and Jesus had fled to Egypt to escape the wrath of King Herod. They remained there until the death of Herod, fulfilling a prophecy from the Lord spoken by a prophet.
Prophecy Fulfillment:Matthew highlights that the journey of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to Egypt was in fulfillment of the prophecy that the Lord had spoken through a prophet. The prophecy being referenced is found in Hosea 11:1, which states, “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.” In its original context, the verse in Hosea refers to the nation of Israel being brought out of Egypt during the Exodus. However, Matthew applies this prophecy to Jesus, drawing a parallel between the experiences of Israel and Jesus as the Son of God.
Parallel between Israel and Jesus:Matthew draws a connection between the history of Israel and the life of Jesus. Just as Israel was called out of Egypt, Jesus is also called out of Egypt, emphasizing His unique role as the Son of God. This parallel demonstrates how Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the ultimate embodiment of God’s plan for salvation.
God’s Sovereign Plan:Matthew highlights that these events, including the journey to and from Egypt, were part of God’s sovereign plan. The phrase “that it might be fulfilled” emphasizes the divine orchestration behind these events. God had foretold this through the prophet and brought it to pass in order to fulfill His purposes.
Faithful Obedience:Joseph’s obedience plays a crucial role in fulfilling the prophecy. Joseph was visited by an angel who instructed him to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod’s murderous intentions (Matthew 2:13). Joseph obeyed without hesitation, fulfilling God’s plan and protecting Jesus. His obedience and faithfulness played an essential role in the fulfillment of prophecy.
